The recent policy changes to eliminate the self-induced intoxication defense in Canadian criminal law reflects a shift towards evidence-based approaches to criminal justice, which can be seen as a departure from the tenets of penal populism. Penal populism is a form of political rhetoric that promotes law and order by emphasizing the punitive aspects of criminal justice, often at the expense of evidence-based approaches and due process (HEALY, 2022). This trend has risen in many Western democracies since the 1990s. The self-induced intoxication defense is a legal argument that a defendant’s actions were not voluntary due to intoxication. This defense has been criticized for perpetuating outdated and sexist assumptions about intoxication and behavior, which have been discredited by scientific research (Fontana, 2020). Supporters of the policy change argue that it eliminates a loophole that could be used to excuse violent behavior and reinforces the idea that individuals are responsible for their actions, even when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (Order for Homework Help Online)
In contrast to the populist approach, eliminating the self-induced intoxication defense reflects a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of criminal behavior and the need for evidence-based approaches to criminal justice (Klassen & Phillips, 2019). By relying on scientific evidence and contemporary understandings of intoxication, the law can better hold individuals accountable for their actions and reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions or over-sentencing. The policy change is consistent with broader efforts to reduce the reliance on punitive measures in the criminal justice system and increase the focus on rehabilitation and prevention (Fontana, 2020). However, critics argue that the policy change may disproportionately affect marginalized groups, such as Indigenous peoples and those with substance abuse disorders, who may have higher rates of alcohol and drug use. Some legal experts argue that the policy change may not be effective in reducing violent crime or addressing underlying addiction and mental health issues Hire Professional Essay Writers online.
In conclusion, adopting the self-induced intoxication defense policy in Canada is a significant step towards a fairer and more effective criminal justice system. The policy addresses the issue of fairness by allowing individuals who were voluntarily intoxicated to use their state of mind as a defense in criminal trials. However, concerns remain regarding the potential unintended consequences of the policy, such as individuals escaping criminal liability for their actions simply by claiming that they were too intoxicated to understand what they were doing. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on how it is implemented and enforced, and the policy must be applied consistently and fairly to ensure that justice is served. Adopting this policy is a positive development that recognizes the complex interplay between an individual’s mental state and their actions and has the potential to result in more individuals being held accountable for their actions and facing the consequences of criminal behavior.