But in 2011, the Criminal Code was changed to give judges the option, in sentencing, of “stacking” the parole eligibility periods consecutively if warranted. In New Brunswick the defence can ask for “life 50,” but next door in Quebec it is unconstitutional. This was a grave sacrilege, as it took place in a house of worshipHuot ruled that “life 50” is unconstitutional, but “life 40” is not. And that “life 40” would be compliant with the charter while “life 50” would not is certainly not clear. Is the standard “life 25” sentence cruel when administered to a 55-year-old but not to a 25-year-old?

Source: National Post February 14, 2019 16:15 UTC