Study shows B.C. justice on par with other provinces
 

B.C. criminal sentences are no more lenient or harsh than those elsewhere in Canada, says a study commissioned by the province. “B.C. does not look dramatically out of line with the rest of Canada,” wrote the studies’ authors, criminologists Anthony Doob of the University of Toronto and Cheryl Webster of the University of Ottawa. “This is not to say that for some measures, B.C. is not more lenient,” they wrote in a November report which was released Monday.

The authors admitted that there are “unexplained” variations in sentences between similar cases which contribute to the belief by 74 per cent of B.C. residents that judges don’t impose tough enough prison sentences.

A representative for a rape relief group said she knows of sexual assault convictions where the perpetrators did not do time.

“We hear from women victims that [the ultimate sentence] doesn’t feel like it’s enough,” said Stephanie Reifferscheid of Women Against Violence Against Women.

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal rejected suggestions the report rings hollow for residents affected by a recent spate of gang violence in Metro Vancouver.

The government is “very much concerned,” said Oppal, who called on the community to assist police.

“Often it is the view of the public that if the judges imposed longer sentences that would make our community safer.

And the authors here are quite clear that is not necessarily the case,” said Oppal.

In 59.5 per cent of the cases, B.C. sentences were harsher than those handed down in the seven provinces where comparisons were made. But in three of the 23 specific offence groupings, the majority of the comparisons suggested more lenient sentences in B.C.

SFU criminologist Neil Boyd said the 94-page report looked “very thorough.” “The methodologies chosen were well thought out,” he said. For more information go to www.criminaljusticereform.gov.bc.ca.
http://www.theprovince.com/Technolog...tml?id=1271270

thats not saying much

It only means that the justice system across Canada is equally lenient... what else is new?

wonder how many millions were wasted on this "study" to tell us what we already know

what are they fucking in outer space or just high off the BC bud

There is a problem and turning a blind eye because you don't know what to do with it or fix it, and it shows..

on par???? it showed we were less lenient than other provinces...


the problem isnt putting ppl in jail, because apparently they're going in... the problem is keeping the weapons off the street and Catching the criminals

this leniency bs is just diverting from the main issue, its quite apparent (just by looking at the states) harsher sentences isnt solving the problem

we're too lenient

you are spot on.

unfortunately, the way law enforcement is done here is retrosepective. with the lack of resources (both man power and money) the police are forced to wait for a crime to be committed and then react to it. I feel that until the various law enforcement agencies around the province can find a way to convince the government to provide the necessary resources, combating crime will continue to be an uphill battle.

Also, the reason public perception is so negative toward our criminal justice system is because the general public doesnt know any better. every night on the news crime is sensationalized and made to seem like it is a pandemic. We actually have it pretty good here if you were to compare criminal statistics with other similar sized cities in the US and around the world. guns, sex, violence = drama. that is what brings in viewers.