Mandatory minimum penalty for firing gun at house unconstitutional: Supreme Court

Mandatory minimum penalty for firing gun at house unconstitutional: Supreme CourtOTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for firing a gun at a house is unconstitutional on the basis it could amount to cruel and unusual punishment. In allowing Hills's appeal, the Supreme Court said the mandatory minimum sentence was grossly disproportionate, given that a young person might fire a paintball gun at a house as part of a game. In any event, the Liberal government repealed this particular mandatory minimum sentence, along with several others, after the appeal was heard. The first offence, robbery committed with a restricted or prohibited firearm, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. The second, robbery with an ordinary firearm, carried a mandatory minimum sentence of four years at the time the appeal was heard, but this minimum sentence has since been repealed.