OTTAWA — The Justice Department wants to know what Canadians think of changing some of the former Conservative government's controversial tough-on-crime sentencing legacy — including mandatory minimum penalties — before the Liberals bring in their promised reforms.
An online survey asks respondents to judge several scenarios involving mitigating circumstances surrounding a crime
Ottawa-based criminal defence lawyer Michael Spratt said he is concerned the survey suggests the Liberal government is looking to public opinion, rather than evidence, when it comes to shaping its justice policy.
"Governing your justice policy based on the popular opinion is a dangerous game that potentially could undermine the rule of law and important constitutional protections," Spratt said.
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