The Bugmy principles apply to offenders who experienced severe childhood trauma through persecution, violence and displacement as refugees, and are not confined to offenders raised in environments of alcohol abuse and domestic violence. An offender's subsequent achievements in education and employment do not preclude the application of the Bugmy principles. A sentencing judge who intends to reject the applicability of the Bugmy principles, where both parties have accepted their application, must give counsel an opportunity to address that issue before ruling.
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