Past Poll Results!

Should mandatory minimum sentences be abolished? 
Yes because they severely limit judicial discretion resulting in unfair sentences: 70% (7 people) 
No because they help to deter, prevent and reduce crime and "send a message": 30% (3 people) 

Which of the following do you believe is the most effective method to reduce crime?
Longer prison terms: 42% (3 people) 
More mandatory sentences: 14% (1 person)
More police: 14% (1 people) 
Early intervention programs: 57% (4 people) 
Reducing poverty, unemployment and addictions: 28% (2 people) 
Rehabilitation of offenders: 42% (3 people) 

How do you feel towards section 718(e) of the Criminal Code that says all reasonable available sanctions other than imprisonment should be considered with particular attention to the circumstances of aboriginal offenders? 
I agree, prison is an inappropriate sanction for most aboriginals and they need restorative justice: 40% (2 people) 
I disagree. Why should we pay special attention to aboriginals? 60% (3 people)

The purpose of correctional institutions should be? (if they were reformed)
Punishment/retribution: 16% (1 people)
Deterrence to future criminals: 0%
Incapacitation (protection from those who pose a danger to society): 33% (2 people)
Rehabilitation, reform and reintegration: 66% (4 people)

The best method(s) to reduce prison overcrowding would be? 
Build more prisons and cells in existing prisons: 16% (1 person) 
Abolish mandatory minimum sentences: 33% (2 people) 
Grant bail to more suspects: 16% (1 person) 
Less reliance by the courts on imprisonment and more on community alternatives: 50% (3 people)
Bring back capital punishment: 33% (2 people) 
Other: 16% (1 person) 

With a recent wave of gang violence in Winnipeg; what do you think would be the best method to help reduce and prevent gang related crimes?
Longer prison sentences for gang members: 33% (1 person)
More police in the west end and inner city:  0%
Gang prevention and desistance programs with positive role models: 33% (1 person)
More recreational facilities and activities for at-risk youth: 33% (1 person)
Employment assistance and resources for youth: 33% (1 person)
Reducing poverty: 33% (1 person)
Programs that teach life skills, stress and risk management: 66% (2 ppl) 

Do you believe that rights and freedoms entitled to all Canadian citizens as outlined in the Charter, should still apply to individuals convicted of a crime?
Yes, all Canadians are entitled to their rights and freedoms regardless of their past. Denying them would be discrimination: 66% (2 people) 
No, convicted persons lost their rights and freedoms when they committed the crime: 33% (1 person)
Mixed feelings, some rights and freedoms should still apply, but not all of them: 0% 

Should Vincent Li (man who suffered from mental illness and killed male on Greyhound bus) be allowed outside on supervised passes?
Yes, he was found NCR and deserves basic rights and to be treated humanely: 40% (2 people)
No, he killed a man and therefore should not receive those rights: 60% (3 people)

Thanks to everyone for voting and keep checking back for new polls!  

Poll Results!

I haven't made a new poll in some time, so here are the results from my previous polls and keep checking back for new ones!


What is your view on the death penalty? 
9 people voted. 
- 22% (2) said "Against it, it is barbaric and inhumane" 
- 66% (6) said "For it, certain people just need to die" 
- 11% (1) said "Undecided, depends on the severity of the crime" 

I am quite shocked that so many people are actually in favour of the death penalty! Maybe they should read one of my old posts pertaining to it... It's a horrible punishment and should not be practiced anywhere in my opinion. Read this article and see what you think: The Ethics of Capital Punishment

Do you agree with Jeffrey Bear's 15 month conditional sentence for manslaughter? 
4 people voted. 
- 50% (2) said "Yes, all circumstances of the crime must be considered"
- 50% (2) said, "No it was too lenient and he should have been sentenced longer" 
- 0% said "No, he should have gotten less than 15 months time" 

Do you agree with Parliament's decision to abolish 2-for-1 double time credit for pre-trial custody of criminals? 
6 people voted. 
- 33% (2) said Yes
- 66% (4) said No. 

I am pleased that more people agree that it should NOT have been abolished. Double time credit is essential, in my opinion and criminals should be rewarded it, as pre-trial conditions are harsh, crowded and there is a lack of programming. 

Do you agree with the Judge's decision to find Allan Schoenborn, a father who killed his 3 children, not criminally responsible? 
5 people voted. 
- 20% (1) said Yes, because he has a mental disorder
- 80% (4) said No, he should be guilty and in prison. 

These results really disturb me. The general public apparently does not understand how people who suffer from mental disorders, perceive reality differently than the average person and how distorted there thoughts and perception really are. The evidence clearly showed that this man suffered from schizophrenia and people like this should not be in prison. His actions were involuntary and therefore, not blameworthy. Prison would be completely ineffective as there is no programming to help people with mental disorders and he would likely be released as a more violent and dangerous and untreated individual. Is that in the best interests of society? Do we want a more dangerous person, who has an untreated mental disorder, back on the streets? No, we don't. That's why he needs to get help in a specialized facility. Unfortunately, the public does not seem to understand this. I sometimes wonder, whether society is really that callous and unsympathetic towards people who really need help.


Do you agree with the decision of the jury to find Robert Kociuk, guilty of first degree murder? 
2 people voted. 
- 50% said yes, the Crown proved his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt 
- 50% said no, the Defence raised a reasonable doubt 


Personally, I think he should have been acquitted. There was a HUGE doubt, as another man had confessed to the same murder and there was a lack of damning evidence against Mr. Kociuk. You can read my full blog post for more of my opinion. 


THANKS EVERYONE FOR VOTING! KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR MORE!