Sentencing Outcomes in Canadian Criminal Courts: Does Indigenous or Minority Status Influence Outcomes?

• In Event: Roundtable: Sentencing and Judicial Decision-Making

Abstract

Using data drawn from government records, this study examines the role socio-demographic background may play in determining sentencing severity in Canadian criminal courts. The study focuses on a few key demographic factors including ethnic minority status, indigenous status, and gender on sentencing severity. Results suggest that all three factors impact severity.

Author

• Jason Carmichael, McGill University