Chuck signals review of Firearms Act to allow plea bargain flexibility

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has announced the Government’s intention to review the controversial Firearms Act soon to allow for judicial discretion in plea bargain agreements.

“The Firearms Act is being examined in short order, so that to the extent that you can give greater flexibility to the prosecution, the defence and the judge, the plea bargain could be associated,” Chuck said at a press conference this morning.

The Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, which mandates a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence for the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, restricts traditional guilty plea incentives.