The mere fact of mental illness (including PTSD, probable schizophrenia, and low IQ) does not necessarily reduce moral culpability or render an offender an inappropriate vehicle for general deterrence for murder. A sentencing judge's finding that mental illness did not reduce moral culpability will be upheld on appeal where the offender demonstrated an ability to live a relatively normal life and the nature of the crime was grave. The weight to be given to commission of an offence while on conditional liberty is an evaluative and discretionary element within the sentencing judge's discretion.
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