“I cheer for protection from crime and intimate partner violence. But I scoff at the idea mandatory minimum sentences prevent it. Evidence shows that doesn't work. I ask my colleague - shouldn't we rely on evidence, not empty rhetoric? Being caught deters crime, not longer sentences.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Protecting Victims Act
A bill to make a bunch of changes to criminal law, like creating new offenses related to coercive control and intimate partner violence, changing the rules around evidence in sexual offense trials, removing some mandatory minimum sentences, and a bunch of other stuff. In debate, the Conservatives argued for tougher sentencing and criticized the removal of mandatory minimums, while the Liberals said the bill strikes the right balance. There was also some discussion of lawful access to data and the rights of victims.