INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Offences related to the luring of a child carry a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year for an indictable offense or 90 days for a summary conviction.
SECTION WORDING
172.2(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.
EXPLANATION
Section 172.2(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada relates to the offence of luring a child. This section of the law sets out the penalties for those who violate subsection (1) of the legislation. Specifically, subsection (1) of section 172.2 makes it a criminal offence to communicate with a child for the purpose of committing certain specified offences. Subsection (2) sets out the penalties for someone who violates subsection (1)(a) or (b) of section 172.2. If the offence is committed under subsection (1)(a), the perpetrator may be charged with an indictable offense and may face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment with a minimum of one year imprisonment. If the offence is committed under subsection (1)(b), the perpetrator may be charged with a less serious offence that is punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of 18 months. In this case, the minimum sentence of imprisonment is 90 days. This section of the Criminal Code reflects the serious nature of offences involving child exploitation. Luring a child for the purpose of committing sexual offenses or other serious crimes is a particularly heinous crime that is deserving of significant punishment. The penalties set out in this section therefore reflect the gravity of the offence, and send a clear message that these types of behaviour will not be tolerated in Canada. Overall, this section of the Criminal Code is designed to protect children from those who may seek to exploit them, and to ensure that those who engage in such behaviour face serious legal consequences.
COMMENTARY
Section 172.2(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the punishment for individuals convicted of committing an offence under section 172.2(1), which relates to the sexual exploitation of a young person. This section of the Criminal Code is incredibly important as it seeks to protect vulnerable young people from being exploited and taken advantage of. The punishment for committing an offence under section 172.2(1) is severe, reflecting the seriousness of the offence. The fact that the offence is indictable means that a person can be tried by a judge and jury, and if found guilty, can face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Furthermore, there is a minimum punishment of one year in prison, highlighting the severity of the offence and the need to impose significant penalties for those found guilty. In addition to the punishment for an indictable offence, section 172.2(2)(b) provides for an offence that is punishable on summary conviction. This means that a person can be tried by a judge alone, without a jury, and if found guilty, can face a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison, with a minimum punishment of 90 days in prison. The severity of the punishment for an offence under section 172.2 is justified by the harm caused to young people who are sexually exploited. One of the key reasons for the severity of the punishment is the power dynamic that exists between young people and those who may exploit them. Young people are vulnerable and their developing brains and limited life experiences make them easy targets for adults who seek to exploit them. This type of exploitation can have lifelong impacts on the physical and mental health of the young person. Additionally, there are often power imbalances that exist between young people and those who exploit them. For example, the perpetrator may be an authority figure, such as a teacher, coach, or other trusted adult. This power dynamic can make it difficult for young people to resist or report the abuse, creating a culture of silence and fear. Finally, it is important to note that sexual exploitation of young people can take many forms. It is not limited to physical abuse or sexual assault. Instead, it can involve grooming, sexting, or other forms of predatory behaviour that aim to manipulate and control young people. In conclusion, section 172.2(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada sets out the severe punishment for individuals convicted of committing an offence under section 172.2(1), which relates to the sexual exploitation of a young person. This type of exploitation can have lifelong impacts on the physical and mental health of the young person, and the power dynamics at play can make it difficult for young people to resist or report the abuse. The severity of the punishment is necessary to protect vulnerable young people from harm and to send a message to society that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
STRATEGY
One of the key strategic considerations when dealing with section 172.2(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is the severity of the potential penalties. As an indictable offence, conviction under this section can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Even convictions under the summary conviction offence can lead to imprisonment for up to 18 months, which is a significant penalty. With this in mind, a strategic approach to dealing with section 172.2(2) might involve considering the specific circumstances of the case and whether there are any potential defences or mitigating factors that could be used to reduce the severity of the penalties. For example, if the accused can provide evidence that they were coerced or manipulated into committing the offence, this could potentially be used to argue for a reduced sentence or even an acquittal. Another potential strategy for dealing with section 172.2(2) could involve working closely with legal counsel to develop a strong defence and ensure that all relevant legal procedures are followed correctly. This might involve conducting a thorough investigation of the facts of the case, as well as engaging in pre-trial negotiation with prosecutors to try to reach a plea bargain or obtain a favourable resolution. Developing a strong understanding of the relevant legal principles and precedents could also be an important strategic consideration when dealing with section 172.2(2). For example, courts have provided guidance on factors that should be considered when determining the appropriate sentence for offences under this section, such as the nature and extent of the exploitation and the harm caused to the victim. Lawyers representing the accused would need to be familiar with these principles in order to make informed arguments for a reduced sentence or other mitigating factors. Finally, a strategic approach to section 172.2(2) might involve considering the broader social and political context in which these offences occur. For example, there is a growing recognition of the harm caused by human trafficking and exploitation, as well as a greater focus on preventing these crimes and supporting victims. Lawyers may need to be particularly sensitive to these issues in order to effectively represent their clients in court and work towards a just and equitable resolution. Overall, dealing with section 172.2(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada requires a careful and strategic approach that takes into account the severity of the potential penalties, the specifics of the case, and the broader legal and social context. Lawyers representing individuals accused of offences under this section will need to work closely with their clients and legal counsel to develop effective strategies and make informed arguments in court.