Minimum Sentences with Senator Kim Pate

This episode we open with a discussion of an important op-ed written by Amanda Byrd. Byrd, a law student, spent hundreds of hours preparing for a moot court. When she got there, she was told to smile more. Courtroom demeanour is important but critics based on appearance are very unhelpful and smack of sexism.

We then dive into the mandatory minimum sentence debate. The Liberal government promised to reform these out-dated, unfair, and counterproductive sentencing straightjackest - but they have not lifted a finger to make good on their promise. So Senator Kim Pate has stepped up to the plate and introduced legislation to restore judicial discretion. Bill S-251 is an ambitious bill that will give court a safety valve to depart from any minimum sentence - including murder.

Huge thanks to Kim Pate for inviting us into her office to talk about her very important and principled bill.