National Defence Act

Marginal note:Fundamental purpose of sentencing

• 203.1 (1) The fundamental purpose of sentencing is to maintain the discipline, efficiency and morale of the Canadian Forces.

• Marginal note:Objectives

  (2) The fundamental purpose of sentencing is to be achieved by imposing just punishments that have one or more of the following objectives:

  • (a) to promote a habit of obedience to lawful commands and orders;

  • (b) to maintain public trust in the Canadian Forces as a disciplined armed force;

  • (c) to denounce unlawful conduct and the harm done to victims or to the community that is caused by unlawful conduct;

  • (d) to deter offenders and other persons from committing offences;

  • (e) to assist in rehabilitating offenders;

  • (f) to assist in reintegrating offenders into military service;

  • (g) to separate offenders, if necessary, from other officers or non-commissioned members or from society generally;

  • (h) to provide reparations for harm done to victims or to the community; and

  • (i) to promote a sense of responsibility in offenders and an acknowledgment of the harm done to victims or to the community.