How does the Charter affect punishment for criminal offences?

The Charter contains a guarantee against cruel or unusual treatment or punishment. Punishment has been struck down where it has been found to be excessive given the gravity of the crime, the personal history of the offender and the need to punish, deter, or rehabilitate the particular offender. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has held that life imprisonment with no eligibility of parole for 25 years is a severe but not unreasonable penalty for first degree murder.

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