Reasons for Sentence

• Pages: 409-421

409

APPENDIX A

Reasons for Sentence*

. . .

B. PRINCIPLES OF SENTENCING

8 Imposing a just sentence on an oender is a delicate balancing exer-

cise. e fundamental purpose of sentencing and the general principles

to be applied are set out in section  of the Criminal Code. ose

principles provide general guidance and underscore some of the factors

that must be considered and which principles should take priority for

certain oences. One of the most fundamental of the guiding princi-

ples of sentencing is the principle of proportionality,[] which requires

me to impose a sentence that is proportionate to the gravity of the

oence and the moral blameworthiness of the oender.

9 Another overarching principle is the importance of parity in

sentencing. e imposition of sentence cannot be an arbitrary pro-

cess. e Criminal Code stipulates that a sentence “should be similar to

* This appendix is an abridgement by Justice Cole of the judgment in R v JF, 2017 ONSC

2987.

1 Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46, s. 718.1.