The Ontario government is appealing a court decision that overturned a mandatory minimum sentence for a firearm offence as unconstitutional.

An Ontario Superior Court judge has struck down a mandatory minimum sentence for a first offence of possessing a loaded firearm.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is reaffirming his support for mandatory minimum sentences in the wake of a court decision striking one down as unconstitutional.

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson is standing by mandatory minimum sentencing legislation, despite a new warning from U.S. officials that such laws don't work.

Canada's highest court has twice ruled that mandatory minimum sentences will "inevitably" and "unavoidably" result in miscarriages of justice. But the Supreme Court also has cautioned judges to only reluctantly override sentencing guidelines set by politicians.