Ottawa – On Friday, March 23, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada will deliver its decisions in R. v. Ladue and R. v. Ipeelee, two companion cases dealing with the special considerations that must be taken into account when sentencing Aboriginal offenders.

At issue is the interpretation of the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code which require a consideration of reasonable alternatives to imprisonment for all prisoners, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders. The BCCLA was an intervener at the SCC in R. v. Ladue, and argued that the trial judge failed to consider alternatives to imprisonment, the unique position of Aboriginal people given their increasing overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, and the importance of considering restorative and rehabilitative principles in the sentencing of all offenders.

The BCCLA is represented by Professor Kent Roach from the University of Toronto and Kelly Doctor of Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP.

The BCCLA’s argument is available here

What: Supreme Court of Canada to release judgments in R. v. Ladue and R. v. Ipeelee

When: BCCLA representatives will be available Thursday, March 22 for comment in advance of the judgment, and after the judgment on Friday, March 23. (The reasons will be issued at 6:45 am PST/ 9:45 am PST on Friday, March 23.)

Where: Supreme Court of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario)

Who: Counsel for the BCCLA, Kelly Doctor, and BCCLA Litigation Director (Acting), Carmen Cheung, will be available for comment

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kelly Doctor, Lawyer for the BCCLA: 416-303-8512
Carmen Cheung, BCCLA Litigation Director (Acting): 604-630-9758