Indigenous Peoples’ Rights (Gladue)

Black Criminal Law is committed to providing culturally informed and respectful representation to clients who identify as Indigenous. Canadian law requires courts to consider the unique systemic and background factors affecting Indigenous persons. This is known as the Gladue principle.

We actively advocate for culturally appropriate and restorative approaches to sentencing where available. To do so, we gather detailed information about your personal history, including your connection to community, and any experiences with colonialism, displacement, or systemic disadvantage. These factors are carefully presented to the court to ensure they are fully considered.

Where appropriate, we will connect you with a qualified Gladue writer to prepare a Gladue report. The purpose of a Gladue report is to assist the court in understanding how your lived experiences as an Indigenous person may have contributed to your involvement in the justice system. It allows the court to consider you as a whole person, beyond the circumstances of the offence.

Black Criminal Law is committed to advancing your rights with respect, cultural awareness, and diligence.