Criminal Code, section 231(2)
First degree murder
What the law says
- Maximum
- Life imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum
- Mandatory life sentence
- Kind of offence
- Violent, causing death
Mandatory life (s.235); parole ineligibility 25 years (s.745(a)). Consecutive ineligibility periods under s.745.51 struck down: R. v. Bissonnette, 2022 SCC 23. s.231 expanded by S.C. 2026, c. 19 (Bill C-16: coercive control, exploitation, sexual purpose, hate).
10 cases with this offence
- April 20, 2026Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years (first degree murder)Life sentence
- April 1, 2026R. v. B.N.T., 2026 BCSC 679
- On release at the time
Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years (first degree murder); 14 years concurrent for attempted murderLife sentence - October 28, 2025Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years (first degree murder); 5 years concurrent for arsonLife sentence
- July 28, 2025Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years; 90 days concurrent for assault causing bodily harmLife sentence
- July 9, 2025Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years; may apply for faint-hope reduction after 15 yearsLife sentence
- May 12, 2025Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years; lifetime weapons prohibitionLife sentence
- January 14, 2025R. v. Reed, 2025 BCSC 121
- On release at the time
Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years; concurrent 6 years and 4 years for the firearms offencesLife sentence - August 26, 2024Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 yearsLife sentence
- January 11, 2024Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years (two counts of first degree murder), with concurrent life sentences for two attempted murdersLife sentence
- November 9, 2021Life imprisonment, no parole for 25 years; lifetime s. 109 weapons prohibition; DNA orderLife sentence
Judges who sentenced this offence
- The Honourable Justice Alan M. Ross
- The Honourable Justice Christa M. Brothers
- The Honourable Justice Frits E. Verhoeven
- The Honourable Justice J. Miriam Gropper
- The Honourable Justice James W. Williams
- The Honourable Justice Jennifer M.I. Duncan
- The Honourable Justice Pierre L. Muise
- The Honourable Justice Robin A. M. Baird
- The Honourable Justice Veronica Jackson
- The Honourable Justice Warren B. Milman