A dysfunctional childhood affords some (although limited) mitigation in sentencing, as an offender with such a background does not bear equal moral responsibility with one who has had a normal upbringing. Sentencing judges are not required to recite the objectives of sentencing in every decision, and a failure to expressly mention deterrence may be overcome by reference to a guideline judgment which has deterrence built into it. The strength of the Crown case is not relevant to the utilitarian value of a guilty plea, though it may be relevant to whether the plea is indicative of remorse.
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