2.2 When the death penalty was abolished, minimum sentencing legislation was proposed to assure the public that, the abolition notwithstanding, government remained committed to reducing serious crime. It served to appease a public which had become, and remains, increasingly concerned about the high levels of crime in the country. Many agree that the legislation, which provides minimum sentences of imprisonment (ranging from 15-25 years) for a small range of serious offences, including murder, rape, robbery and serious economic crimes, is a serious contributor to the high prison population. The legislation provides for progressively harsher penalties for repeat offenders but also allows for judicial discretion: courts may impose a lesser sentence in cases in which substantial and compelling circumstances exist that justify the imposition of a lesser sentence; judges must provide their reasons for imposing a sentence below the minimum. All stakeholders interacted with are of the opinion that the amendment of this legislation would contribute to a reduction in the inmate population.