Canadian court rules 25-year parole ban for first-degree murder unconstitutional, citing unfair treatment.

A B.C. Supreme Court has ruled a section of the Criminal Code unconstitutional, as it treats all first-degree murderers the same, regardless of the number of victims. The court found that the provision requiring a 25-year parole ineligibility period violates Charter protections against cruel and unusual punishment. The decision stems from Luciano Mariani's case, who pleaded guilty to murdering his former partner, Caroline Bernard. Justice David Crossin emphasized that the moral culpability and gravity of single murders should warrant different sentencing than mass or serial murders.

2 months ago
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