October 28 2018 - November 2 2018

Judges and Jails: The Realities of Incarceration 2018

This program focused on the effective use of pre-sentence reports, sentencing, social context, the nature of programming and treatment available in provincial and federal correctional institutions, and the parole system.

Number of Participants: 30

Overview

This program focused on the effective use of pre-sentence reports, sentencing, social context, the nature of programming and treatment available in provincial and federal correctional institutions, and the parole system.

Objectives

The objective of this seminar was to provide judges with an opportunity to explore sentencing choices and their impacts from both a legal and practical perspective. Judges examined three core issues: considerations in sentencing to custody; how to ensure that custodial sentences are as effective as possible; and what actually happens to offenders after they are incarcerated.

Summary

This program provided skills-based learning on sentencing and correctional issues through a combination of lectures, plenary discussions, and a review of programming offered within correctional facilities. Led by judges, legal academics, practising lawyers, and experts from within and outside the correctional system, this seminar covered the following topics: proportionality in sentencing; considerations on imposing a sentence in the federal penitentiary
or provincial reformatory; effective sentencing of offenders with mental health issues; reintegration issues; mental health treatment in federal correctional institutions; and sentencing indigenous offenders under the Gladue principles.