Court sentancing patterns

has the potential for impeding fairness in sentencing policy and practice. This dissertation examines both general and specific trends regarding Adult Criminal Court (ACC) sentencing patterns for a mixture of eight urban and rural jurisdictions in British Columbia for a two-year period, June 1, 2001 through May 31, 2003. From this empirical baseline, it will be possible to examine the extent to which unwarranted sentencing disparity exists for the study regions. While the study examines disposition for a number of charge types, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences are given particular attention. This study considers sentence outcomes on two levels: (I) total counts of all possible sentencing categories; and (2) the single most serious sentence derived from the single most serious charge. Each jurisdiction in the study area is examined for disparity in charge rates and sentencing quanta. This study finds wide variation in the relative mix of charges appearing before courts for the eight regions, and as well, substantial variation the severity of any sanctions imposed. The implications of this variation are discussed.