This paper examines the Conservative government’s “tough on crime” agenda and its legislation. After providing background information, the author discusses several issues in the context of the new “tough on crime” platform, including the principle of proportionality, restraint, parity in sentencing, mandatory minimums, victim fine surcharges, capping enhanced credit, and the deprivation of parole eligibility.

This paper was presented at the Constitutional Law Symposium in October 2014.