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Clarke supportive of tougher crime legislation – Metro US

Clarke supportive of tougher crime legislation

Provincial Justice Minister Cecil Clarke is in favour of tougher anti-gang legislation, despite criticism by some criminologists.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in Vancouver to bring forward a new bill that would make any gang-related homicide a case of first degree murder.

Criminologists have attacked the bill as being mostly political and ineffective in deterring gang violence. But Clarke said he believes it will help cut down gang violence.

“I think it’s going to be a positive thing. First and foremost it’s about the deterrent factor that we’re hoping will be achieved as a result of stiffer legislation,” said Clarke.

“There’s been frustration with the type of sentences being brought forward.”