Gladue

Gladue refers to a right First Nation, Métis and Inuit have under the law. It means that every criminal court in Canada is required to take into consideration an Aboriginal person’s background and alternatives to jail when someone is being sentenced for a crime. Courts in Ontario must also consider a person’s Aboriginal background and Gladue principles at bail hearings.

Your lawyer has a duty to explain Gladue to you and what it means for your case.

In many parts of Ontario, you can ask to have a Gladue report written before sentencing. These reports contain information on your background, which the court can take into consideration during sentencing – including offering alternatives to imprisonment.

To find out more about Gladue and your rights, speak to your lawyer.