Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

Under the principle of totality in sentencing, what is considered?

1. The reputation of the offender

2. The combined effect of multiple offences

3. The societal impact of the crime

4. The age of the offender

The correct answer is: The combined effect of multiple offences

The principle of totality in sentencing refers to the approach taken by courts when determining a just and proportional sentence for an offender who may be convicted of multiple offences. This principle mandates that when sentencing a defendant for various crimes, the judge must consider the cumulative impact of those offences, ensuring that the overall sentence reflects not just the individual penalties for each crime but also the totality of the offender's conduct. By focusing on the combined effect of multiple offences, the court aims to avoid imposing a sentence that is excessively harsh or disproportionate to the overall behaviour of the offender. This ensures that the sentence is fair, appropriate, and considers the entirety of the situation, leading to a more equitable outcome for both the offender and society. Factors such as the reputation of the offender, the societal impact of the crime, or the age of the offender may influence sentencing decisions, but they do not specifically pertain to the principle of totality, which is centrally concerned with understanding how the entirety of the offences interacts to inform an appropriate sentence.