R v Vinje

Decided: 2026-10-20. Docket: 2501-0162A. Citation: 2026 ABCA 332 (CanLII). Criminal and statutory offences — Sentencing — Manslaughter — Criminal Code, ss. 718, 718.1, 718.2 — Sentence of eight years incarceration for manslaughter — Proportionality to gravity of offence and degree of responsibility — Aggravating and mitigating circumstances assessed, including group assault and guilty plea — Appeal dismissed | Criminal and statutory offences — Sentencing — Moral blameworthiness — R v Laberge, 1995 ABCA 196 — Whether moral blameworthiness was equated only with knowledge and participation in the unlawful act — Laberge “moral culpability ladder” applied and placement at upper end of second rung — Background experiences and manipulation considered as reducing blameworthiness — Appeal dismissed