Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

What principle of sentencing emphasizes that similar offenders should receive similar sentences?

1. Proportionality

2. Parity

3. Totality

4. Restraint

The correct answer is: Parity

The principle of parity highlights the importance of ensuring that similar offenders receive similar sentences for similar crimes. This principle is rooted in the notion of fairness and equality in the criminal justice system, aiming to promote consistency and predictability in sentencing outcomes. By adhering to the principle of parity, judges and courts strive to avoid disparities in sentencing that could arise from the subjective biases of individual judges or varying interpretations of the law. This helps maintain public confidence in the justice system, as individuals believe they will face similar consequences for similar actions. In contrast, the other principles, while significant in their own rights, focus on different aspects of sentencing. Proportionality relates to ensuring that the severity of the punishment corresponds to the seriousness of the offense. Totality aims to ensure that the cumulative effect of sentences for multiple offenses is just and rational. Restraint emphasizes the need for judges to use discretion judiciously and avoid excessive punishment. Each of these principles serves a unique purpose within the framework of the justice system, but parity specifically addresses the need for comparable sentences among similar offenders.