Indigenous Offenders

Gladue principles refer to a set of guidelines in Canadian criminal law that aim to address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system. These principles, established in the landmark Supreme Court of Canada case R. v. Gladue (1999), require judges to take into account the unique history and circumstances of Indigenous peoples, including the effects of colonialism, when sentencing Indigenous defendants. Gladue principles are meant to promote a more equitable and restorative approach to justice for Indigenous peoples, and to provide judges with a framework for considering alternative forms of sentencing that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities.