Sentencing for Aboriginal Clients
BOOKLET - In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that courts must take into account the unique circumstances of Aboriginal people when handing down sentences on Aboriginal offenders, and whenever possible opt for alternatives to jail sentences. A decade later, the ‘Gladue Decision’ is still subject to much misunderstanding by both legal professionals and clients. This six-page manual seeks to clarify both what the aim of this Supreme Court decision was and what it means for Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system. It also has a section on how NCSA courtworkers can use the Gladue Decision when representing their clients in court.
