• About
  • Offices
  • Careers
  • News
  • Students
  • Alumni
  • Payments
  • EN | FR
Background Image
Bennett Jones Logo
  • People
  • Expertise
  • Knowledge
  • Search
  • FR Menu
  • Search Mobile
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
View all
Practices
Corporate Litigation Regulatory Tax View all
Industries
Energy Infrastructure Mining Private Equity & Investment Funds View all
Advisory
Crisis & Risk Management Public Policy
View Client Work
International Experience
Insights News Events Subscribe
Arbitration Angle Artificial Intelligence Insights Business Law Talks Podcast Class Actions: Looking Forward Class Action Quick Takes
Economic Outlook New Energy Economy Series Private Equity Briefings Quarterly Fintech Insights Quarterly M&A Insights
Sustainability & the CIO
People
Offices
About
Practices
Industries
Advisory Services
Client Work
Insights
News
Events
Careers
Law Students
Alumni
Payments
Search
Subscribe

Stay informed on the latest business and legal insights and events.

LinkedIn LinkedIn Twitter Twitter Vimeo Vimeo
 

Gannon Beaulne Interviewed on Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in the Lawyers Weekly

September 22, 2014

In Cristin Schmitz's Lawyers Weekly article, "Mandatory Minimums Branded Ineffective, Overly Constraining," Gannon Beaulne discusses the use of mandatory minimum penalties as sentencing tools. Gannon is quoted saying, “This debate in general has become very politicized?—?it's about picking sides,” he said. “Do you agree with this mandatory minimum? Is it proportionate? And that maybe misses the point of the wider discussion which is that, in the context of the rule of law, do mandatory minimums as such help or hinder an accused's, or the public's, ability to look forward and understand what the consequences of a certain crime would be?... The rule of law requires laws to be ascertainable in advance, and clear in every respect, and MMPs, by setting a stable sentencing floor, allow for a very recognizable range of sentences for the commission of a given offence. It puts the accused and the public on notice of what the likely sentencing range is. Now contrast that with a situation where the judge has complete discretion. It's much more difficult to look at a crime and say: ‘This is what I'm going to be sentenced to if I break that law.'”

Key Contact

  • Gannon  Beaulne Gannon Beaulne, Partner

Related Links

  • Insights
  • Media
  • Subscribe

Related Expertise

  • Constitutional Law

Recent Posts

Speaking Engagements

Rethinking Cyber Risk in the Age of AI: What Boards Need to Know

July 08, 2025
       

Announcements

Eighteen Bennett Jones Lawyers Ranked in Lexpert's Special Edition on Health Sciences

July 02, 2025
       

Client Work

Bennett Jones Acts for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited in Overturning C$228 Million Judgment

July 02, 2025
       

Announcements

Harinder Basra Appointed Calgary Managing Partner at Bennett Jones

July 01, 2025
       

Announcements

John Manley Appointed Companion of the Order of Canada

June 30, 2025
       

Articles

Ursic v. Country Lumber Ltd.: The Employment and Labour Law Reporter

June 27, 2025
       

Articles

Mareva Injunctions in Canada: Now Easier to Get?

June 25, 2025
       

Announcements

David Wahl Appointed to CIArb Canada Board of Directors

June 23, 2025
       

Client Work

BCI Acquires BBGI Global Infrastructure SA in £1 Billion Take-Private

June 23, 2025
       
Bennett Jones Centennial Footer
Bennett Jones Centennial Footer
About
  • Leadership
  • Diversity
  • Community
  • Innovation
  • Security
Offices
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Montréal
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • New York
Connect
  • Insights
  • News
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Students
  • Alumni
Subscribe

Stay informed on the latest business and legal insights and events.

LinkedIn LinkedIn Twitter Twitter Vimeo Vimeo
© Bennett Jones LLP 2025. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
Logo Bennett Jones