Question 1

According to Section 718 of the Canadian Criminal Code, which of the following is NOT a primary purpose of sentencing?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the offender receives the maximum possible punishment

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the principle of proportionality in sentencing?

Accepted Answer

The sentence should match the seriousness of the offence and the offender’s degree of responsibility

Question 3

A judge is considering both aggravating and mitigating circumstances in a sentencing decision. Which of the following is an example of a mitigating circumstance?

Accepted Answer

The offender expressed genuine remorse and pleaded guilty

Question 4

Which of the following is a utilitarian goal of sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Deterrence

Question 5

A judge is reviewing a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) that includes a Gladue report. What is the primary purpose of a Gladue report?

Accepted Answer

To outline the offender’s Indigenous background and circumstances

Question 6

Which of the following rights is NOT explicitly included in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights?

Accepted Answer

Right to legal representation at trial

Question 7

Research suggests that which of the following is most effective in deterring crime?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the certainty of punishment

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a restorative approach to sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Ordering the offender to pay restitution to the victim

Question 9

A judge must consider victim impact statements during sentencing. Which of the following best describes their role?

Accepted Answer

They provide information about the harm suffered by the victim

Question 10

Which of the following statements about mandatory minimum sentences is supported by research?

Accepted Answer

They do not deter crime more effectively than other sentences

Question 11

A judge is sentencing an offender with a history of drug use who has pleaded guilty and shown remorse. According to restorative and rehabilitative principles, which objective should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation and promoting a sense of responsibility

Question 12

Which of the following is a political factor that can influence sentencing policy in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Changes in government ideology

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the concept of denunciation in sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Expressing society’s condemnation of the offender’s conduct

Question 14

A judge is considering the principle of restraint in sentencing. What does this principle require?

Accepted Answer

Using the least restrictive sentence necessary to achieve sentencing objectives

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an aggravating circumstance?

Accepted Answer

The crime involved the use of a weapon

Question 16

Which of the following best illustrates the inconsistency in sentencing outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Most offences have only a maximum sentence, not a fixed one

Question 17

Which of the following is a key difference between utilitarian and retributive goals of sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian goals focus on future crime prevention, while retributive goals focus on past wrongdoing

Question 18

A judge is considering a sentence for robbery with a weapon. Which objective is most likely to be emphasized according to class notes?

Accepted Answer

Deterrence

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of case law in judicial sentencing decisions?

Accepted Answer

It offers guidance based on previous judicial decisions

Question 20

Which of the following is a common misconception about the effectiveness of longer prison terms?

Accepted Answer

They always deter future offending

Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System: Purposes, Principles, and Political Context

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