The Supreme Court of Canada has restored a mandatory minimum sentence for individuals convicted of communicating to obtain, or attempting to obtain, sexual services from a person under the age of 18.
The 7-2 decision, released July 10, restores six months as the mandatory minimum sentence.
The ruling overturns a May 2024 decision by the Quebec Court of Appeal that found the mandatory minimum sentence for the crime was unconstitutional under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, saying could amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
The appeal stemmed from the case of 61-year-old Mario Denis, who was convicted of communicating online to obtain sexual services from someone he believed was a girl under the age of 18….