Crime Reform

There are the 'progressives' who claim that punishment does not work to remediate social deviants. That those who commit crimes should be given another chance, opportunities to redeem themselves. That the state should be in the business of monitoring with compassion those who have been found guilty of criminal offences against society. It is the Neanderthals who insist on subscribing to punishment that fits the crimes committed.

Somehow, the progressives seem to overlook the great trauma suffered by victims of crime, focusing their attention and sympathy on those who commit crimes, finding it in their hearts to have compassion for those who are being punished, not those who were punished for nothing they did.

So, that the new, majority Conservative government plans to forge ahead, as promised during the election campaign, with their 'tough on crime' agenda suits most Canadians very well. If not those who campaign unceasingly for lighter sentences for criminals.

In the event of property crimes, as opposed to violent crimes, perhaps the issue is not quite as stark, although even the victims of theft or embezzlement might feel just as aggrieved that their lives have been deleteriously impacted. With crimes of violence or those that violate children, another story. Violators must pay the social price of justice.

The government has moved thus far to enact tougher sentences for gun crimes, drive-by and reckless shootings, drug-impaired driving, included sex offenders in the National Sex Offender Registry, imposed tougher sentences for child traffickers, hired additional RCMP officers. And raised the age of sexual consent and also halted two-for-one credit for time served.

Good initiatives all, putting some teeth into the social protection and justice system. According to a law professor at University of Sherbrooke, legal counsel for a child advocacy group, "The judiciary is consistently handing out sentences that are far too low for the crimes. The only way to correct that - in the short term at least - is to impose mandatory minimums." To be done, via the Conservative omnibus bill.

Violent young offenders, true psychopaths in society who shun social normalcy and prey upon others have been protected under the current Youth Criminal Justice Act, which has failed to curb the vicious tendencies of some young criminals. Those aged 14 to 17 who are charged and convicted of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter or aggravated sexual assault should be facing adult sentences.

Not so keen, however, on criminalizing those caught with modest amounts of marijuana. For their own use, not for sale, or to introduce young people to the use of mind-altering drugs. Finding someone in possession of five marijuana plants, to be jailed for at least six months on suspicion of trafficking seems a trifle excessive.

But most certainly changes should tighten up the capabilities of Canada's security agencies in apprehending terrorists through the Combating Terrorism Act. Preventive arrests and detention if deemed to be required, with or without charges until the case can be proved or disproved in a court of law. The defensible belief that arrest would disrupt terrorist activity should be its own reasonable explanation.