Justice committee  The studies aren't so broad as to look at any sentence deterring a crime. I think there certainly is some deterrence to be found in sentences, but the proponents of the research that I've seen...and I would really suggest that this committee hear from Anthony Doob and others who

Justice committee  Well, I won't address the logical fallacy in that comparison, but what I will say is that the government does give direction. There are principles of sentencing. There are aggravating and mitigating features. There's a right of appeal.

Justice committee  I don't know if those would have a higher deterrent effect specifically, but I think they would be much more useful in terms of policy. The Amber alert system helps apprehend and disseminate information and get the children back, a very good policy. And of course especially from

Justice committee  Yes. I mean....

Justice committee  Yes.

Justice committee  From a policy perspective, no.

Justice committee  That's right.

Justice committee  Yes. It doesn't mean that I don't think there should be very harsh and severe penalties for certain crimes.

Justice committee  The logic would flow that there shouldn't be maximum penalties either.

Justice committee  Oh no, Parliament gives many forms of guidance on sentencing. Let's just look at—

Justice committee  Well, there are the principles of sentencing in the Criminal Code. There are aggravating and mitigating factors that judges can be directed to look at. Those are the types of useful guidance....

Justice committee  Yes. Of course, being a criminal practitioner, I haven't done the studies myself—

Justice committee  —but from what I've read, yes, that's right.

Justice committee  Yes.

Justice committee  Well, they are prevented from committing further crimes—