Section 718 of the Criminal Code outlines the principles judges must follow when reaching a sentence. They are:
to denounce unlawful conduct and the harm done to victims or to the community;
to deter the offender and others from committing offences;
to separate offenders from society, if necessary;
to assist in rehabilitating offenders;
to provide reparations for harm done to victims or to the community; and
to promote a sense of responsibility in offenders.