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defines the word "liable" thus, "(of a person) subject to or likely to incur (a fine, penalty
etc)."
Imust confess Ido not detect any connotation of a mandatory sentence in the above
definitions, but rather a certain latitude in the use of the word "liable", as in the example
in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of "liable to fines up to $500", which ranges,
strictly speaking, from $1 to $500.
For an even more comprehensive example Iwould
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refer to the offences under Section 48 of the Criminal Code, which provides thatf
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" (1) A person who imports, publishes, sells,1 offers for· sale,· distributes
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reproduces any publication, the importatidh of which has been prohibited under
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Section 47 of this Code, or any extract from the publication, commits an offence
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and is liable on conviction for a first offence 'to a fine not exceeding one thousand
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dalasis or to impriso,nment for a term not !=X<;:eeding two years or to both ·the fine
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and imprisonment a nd for a subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term not
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l ,g, three ye'a'lrls!l;l1an d th111e IIp· u' bl'1Cat.1on sha II be forfe.1ted" (emphas1.s supp 11· ed) .
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I believe· tl;1at whenever the legislature has intended to impose a mandatory sentence
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· 'li Qder the Crimiqwode;' •i{has clearly stated so. Under Section 35 of the Code relating to
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l1111 tr sOn,the pui1re,nlt prescribed under subsection (1) reads-
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" (1)
A person who ....................................................
SC NO. 2/2012- NFAMARA SAIDYKHAN VS THe STATE-
7TH
MAY 2015
Pa ge
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