View source for Child Luring (Offence)

{{Currency|December 2022}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Child Luring
|OffencePage=Child Luring
|Section=172.1
|Act={{OBCCC}}
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}}
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-14Above}} 
|Bail={{OBBailAll}}
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispMin}}
|SummaryMin= {{OBTime|6 months}} 
|SummaryMax= {{OBTime|2 years less a day}}
|IndictableDisp={{OBDispSame}}
|IndictableMin= {{OBTime|1 year}} 
|IndictableMax=  {{OBTime|14 years}} }}

==Overview==
{{OverviewV|child luring}}

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{Yes-14Years}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsHybridElection-14Above|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

:''<u>Reverse Onus Bail</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} }}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

{{486.4PublicationBan|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} || {{OKMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} <!--DO-->||{{OKMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{OKMark}} <!--IRPA-->
{{DesignationEnd}}

{{WiretapDesignation|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

{{DODesignation|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

{{SPIODesignation|A|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}}}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation2|
; Luring a child
172.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, by a means of telecommunication, communicates with
:(a) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence with respect to that person under subsection 153(1) {{AnnSec1x|153(1)}}, section 155 {{AnnSec1x|155}}, 163.1 {{AnnSec1x|163.1}}, 170 {{AnnSec1x|170}}, 171 {{AnnSec1x|171}} or 279.011 {{AnnSec2|279.011}} or subsection 279.02(2) {{AnnSec2x|279.02(2)}}, 279.03(2) {{AnnSec2|279.03(2)}}, 286.1(2) {{AnnSec2|286.1(2)}}, 286.2(2) {{AnnSec2|286.2(2)}} or 286.3(2) {{AnnSec2|286.3(2)}};
:(b) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 151 {{AnnSec1|151}} or 152 {{AnnSec1|152}}, subsection 160(3) {{AnnSec1x|160(3)}} or 173(2) {{AnnSec1x|173(2)}} or section 271 {{AnnSec2x|271}}, 272 {{AnnSec2x|272}}, 273 {{AnnSec2|273}} or 280 {{AnnSec2|280}} with respect to that person; or
:(c) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 281 {{AnnSec2|281}} with respect to that person.

; Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) {{AnnSec1x|172.1(1)}}
:(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
:(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.

{{Removed|(3) and (4)}}
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 8; 
{{LegHistory00s|2007, c. 20}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 14; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 22; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 25}}, s. 9; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 11.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|172.1}} 
|{{NoteUp|172.1|1|2}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}

{{DraftHeader}}
|-
| 172.1(1)(a)
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence[, to wit: ,] with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(a) of the ''Criminal Code''. [https://canlii.ca/t/hvpnd#par23]
|-
| 172.1(1)(b)
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence[, to wit: ,] with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(b) of the ''Criminal Code''. [https://canlii.ca/t/hvpnd#par23]
|-
| 172.1(1)(c)
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence[, to wit: ,] with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(c) of the ''Criminal Code''. [https://canlii.ca/t/hvpnd#par23]
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==

{{ElementHeader}}

{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|child luring under 18|172.1(1)(a)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit communicated by means of telecommunication
# {{box}} the culprit communicated to a person who
## {{box}} is under the age of 18 or
## {{box}} is believed to be under the age of 18
# {{box}} if the accused believed the victim was 18 year or older, they must have failed to take "reasonable steps" to ascertain age;
# {{box}} accused’s “specific purpose” in communicating is to facilitate the commission of a specified secondary offence with respect to the under-aged person being:
## {{box}} [[Sexual Exploitation (Offence)|sexual exploitation]] (153(1))
## {{box}} [[Incest (Offence)|incest]] (155), 
## {{box}} [[Child Pornography (Offence)|child pornography]] (163.1), 
## {{box}} [[Parent or Guardian Procuring Sexual Activity (Offence)|parent or guardian procuring sexual activity]] (170), 
## {{box}} [[Householder Permitting Sexual Activity (Sentencing Cases)|householder permitting sexual activity]] (171) 
## {{box}} [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|trafficking in person under the age of 18]] (279.011) 
## {{box}} [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|material benefit from trafficking person under the age of 18]] (279.02(2)), 
## {{box}} [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|withholding or destroying documents of a trafficked person under the age of 18]] (279.03(2)), 
## {{box}} [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|obtaining sexual services from person under the age of 18]] (286.1(2)), 
## {{box}} [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|material benefit from sexual services of person under the age of 18]] (286.2(2)) or 
## {{box}} [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|Procuring a person under the age of 18]] (286.3(2))

{{ElementRight}}

{{Proving|child luring under 16|172.1(1)(b)}}
# {{box}} the culprit communicated by means of telecommunication
# {{box}} the culprit communicated to a person who
## {{box}} is under the age of 16 or
## {{box}} is believed to be under the age of 16
# {{box}} if the accused believed the victim was 16 year or older, they must have failed to take "reasonable steps" to ascertain age;
# {{box}} accused’s “specific purpose” in communicating is to facilitate the commission of a specified secondary offence with respect to the under-aged person, being:
## {{box}} [[Sexual Interference (Offence)|Sexual Interference]]  (151) 
## {{box}} [[Invitation to Sexual Touching (Offence)|Invitation to Sexual Touching]] (152), 
## {{box}} [[Bestiality (Offence)|Bestiality in Presence of a Child]] (160(3))
## {{box}} [[Indecent Act (Offence)|Indecent Act, Exposure]]  (173(2)) 
## {{box}} [[Sexual Assault (Offence)|Sexual Assault]] (271), 
## {{box}} [[Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)|Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm]] (272), 
## {{box}} [[Aggravated Sexual Assault (Offence)|Aggravated Sexual Assault]] (273) or
## {{box}} [[Abduction of a Young Person (Offence)|Child Abduction Under 16 years]] (280)

{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|child luring under 14|172.1(1)(c)}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Quinones|fqbvb|2012 BCCA 94 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA| Hinkson JA}}{{atL|fqbvb|5}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{atL|26vbx|9}}<br>
</ref>
# {{box}} the culprit communicated by means of telecommunication
# {{box}} the culprit communicated to a person who
## {{box}} is under the age of 14 or
## {{box}} is believed to be under the age of 14
# {{box}} if the accused believed the victim was 14 year or older, they must have failed to take "reasonable steps" to ascertain age;
# {{box}} accused’s “specific purpose” in communicating is to facilitate the commission of a specified secondary offence with respect to the under-aged person being:
## {{box}} [[Abduction of a Young Person (Offence)|abduction of person 14 years]] (281).

{{ElementRight}}

{{ElementEnd}}

{{Reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==
Luring generally consists of "a prolonged, deliberate and careful cultivation of a young person with a view to engendering trust and intimacy, all designed to promote sexual conduct between the two parties."<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Paradee|fw0lb|2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII)|542 AR 222}}{{perABCA|Paperny JA}}
</ref> 
It also includes "prurient discourse that exploits a young person’s curiosity, immaturity or precocious sexuality."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|1wh8p|2008 ABCA 138 (CanLII)|236 CCC (3d) 380}}{{perABCA|Watson JA}}{{atL|1wh8p|28}} aff'd at [http://canlii.ca/t/26vbx 2009 SCC 56] (CanLII){{perSCC|Fish J}}<br>
</ref>

The purpose of s.172.1 is to “shut that door on predatory adults who, generally for a sexual purpose, troll the Internet for vulnerable children and adolescents. Shielded by the anonymity of an assumed online name and profile, they aspire to gain the trust of their targeted victims through computer “chats” — and then to tempt or entice them into sexual activity, over the Internet or, still worse, in person.”<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{atL|26vbx|2}}<br>
see also {{supra1|Legare (ABCA)}}{{AtL|1wh8p|54}}<br>
</ref>

This is an “inchoate” offence that is separate and apart from the sexual offence that it precedes. It does not require the sexual offence to have occurred. This means the accused does not need to have actually gone to meet the victim in person.<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (SCC){{atL|26vbx|25}}</ref> 
Nor is it necessary for the accused to be “objectively capable” to commit the secondary offence.<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (SCC){{atsL|26vbx|25|}} and {{AtsL-np|26vbx|42|}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Chiang|fq71k|2012 BCCA 85 (CanLII)|286 CCC (3d) 564}}{{perBCCA|Hall JA}}{{atL|fq71k|18}} ("The type of crime being investigated by the police in the present case has about it an “inchoate” quality.  It is the same type of offence as Internet luring of children for a sexual purpose.")<br>
</ref>

The offence will "crystallize" and becomes complete before any actions are taken on the part of the accused to execute the secondary offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Collins|fz4z5|2013 ONCA 392 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>

; "Telecommunications"
"Telecommunications" is defined in s. 35 of the Interpretation Act, which states "means the emission, transmission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds or intelligence of any nature by any wire, cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic system, or by any similar technical system;"<ref>[http://canlii.ca/t/7vhg#sec35 section 35] of the Interpretation Act<br>
For further detail on the definition of "telecommunications" see [[Wiretaps#"Telecommunications"]]</ref>

; ''Mens Rea''
The mental element must be present at the time the communication is made.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|1wh8p|2008 ABCA 128 (CanLII)|236 CCC (3d) 380}}{{perABCA|Watson JA}}{{atL|1wh8p|41}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|GDG|g1p38|2013 MBQB 244 (CanLII)|298 Man R (2d) 119}}{{perMBQB|Mainella J}}{{atL|g1p38|95}}<br>
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}
===Purpose of Facilitating an Offence===
It is not criminal to engage in sexually explicit chats with an underage person unless the prohibited purpose is established beyond a reasonable doubt.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Pengelley|2d3p7|2010 ONSC 5488 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 93}}{{perONSC|Dawson J}}{{atL|2d3p7|6}}</ref>

The intent must be specific to the objective and must be determined subjectively.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{atL|26vbx|32}}</ref>

Facilitating can include actions that help “bring about or [make] easier or more probable the commission of such an offence, by grooming or reducing the inhibitions of a young person or by exploiting their curiosity, immaturity or precocious sexuality”.<ref>
{{ibid1|Legare}} (SCC){{atL|26vbx|28}}</ref>

The contents of the messages can be used but are not determinative of a sexual purpose.<ref>
{{ibid1|Legare}} (SCC){{atL|26vbx|31}}</ref>
The issue must be determined on the evidence as a whole. <ref>
{{ibid1|Legare}} (SCC)</ref> 

A claim that the accused was merely joking can be rejected where the texts demonstrate an escalated nature and become more sexually specific.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Himes|g2v3s|2014 ONCJ 31 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Bishop J}}{{atL|g2v3s|80}}
</ref>

It is not necessary that the victim be physically accessible to the accused is any way to be luring.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|1wh8p|2008 ABCA 128 (CanLII)|236 CCC (3d) 380}}{{perABCA|Watson JA}}{{atL|1wh8p|62}} appealed to [http://canlii.ca/t/26vbx 2009 SCC 56] (CanLII){{perSCC|Fish J}}<br>
</ref>

; Impossibility
The Crown need not prove that there is "a present intent to meet the child". The accused may "merely hope to bring the child around to acquiescence in some form" of an offence named in the charge.<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (ABCA){{atL|1wh8p|56}}<br>
</ref>
A purpose "however far off or unlikely, would be sufficient."<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (ABCA){{atL|1wh8p|63}}<br>
</ref>
Even where the alleged purpose is to commit sexual assault, it is still not necessary to prove a present intention to meet the alleged victim.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Bowers|jtc27|2022 ONCA 852 (CanLII)}}
</ref>

; Types of evidence
Evidence of "sexually explicit comments may suffice to establish the criminal purpose of the accused."<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (SCC){{atL|26vbx|29}}<br>
</ref>

The contents of the communications are "not necessarily determinative."<ref>
{{supra1|Legare}} (SCC){{atsL|26vbx|29|, 31}}<br>
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

===Reasonable Steps to Ascertain Age===
{{seealso|Age of Consent in Sexual Offences#All Reasonable Steps}}
Under s. 172.1, the accused can only claim to have believed the alleged victim was not of a prohibited age where he took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the victim. This is to foreclose any defence based on claims of the accused without any objective evidential basis.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Levigne|2blzh|2010 SCC 25 (CanLII)|[2010] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{AtsL|2blzh|31|, 35}}</ref>

{{quotation2|
172.1<br>
{{Removed|(1) and (2)}}
; Presumption re age
(3) Evidence that the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(a)}}, (b) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(b)}} or (c) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(c)}} was represented to the accused as being under the age of eighteen years, sixteen years or fourteen years, as the case may be, is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the accused believed that the person was under that age.
<br>
; No defence
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(a)}}, (b) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(b)}} or (c) {{AnnSec1|172.1(1)(c)}} that the accused believed that the person referred to in that paragraph was at least eighteen years of age, sixteen years or fourteen years of age, as the case may be, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person.
<br>
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 8; 
{{LegHistory00s|2007, c. 20}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 14; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 22.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|172.1}} 
|{{NoteUp|172.1|3|4}}
}}

The claim that the accused believed he was participating in "role-playing" must be consistent with what a reasonable person would believe and must still comply with s. 172.1(4).<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Thain|22r1f|2009 ONCA 223 (CanLII)|243 CCC (3d) 230}}{{perONCA|Sharpe JA}}<br>
{{supra1|Levigne}}</ref>

Factors to consider include:<ref>
as seen in Thain and Levigne</ref>
* whether the chat-room was likely to be frequented by children, including whether it was "adult-only"
* whether he asked for her age;
* user name suggestive of an age;
* presence of photos of the female;<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Pengelley|2d3p7|2010 ONSC 5488 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 93}}{{perONSC|Dawson J}} -- acquitted based on the evidence that the child’s account showed a picture of someone in their 20s.
</ref>
* biographical information found in the female's profile;
* existence of a moderator who would ban persons under 18.

; Constitutionality
The presumption under s. 172.1(3) was found to be unconstitutional for violating s. 11(d).<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Morrison|gfpgb|2014 ONCJ 673 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Gage J}} appealed to 2019 SCC 15 (CanLII), infra
</ref>

Section 172.1(4) was found constitutional.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Morrison|hz3jd|2019 SCC 15 (CanLII)|[2019] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Moldaver J}}
</ref>
{{Reflist|2}}

==Typical Defences==
* If under s.172.1(1)(a) and the secondary offence is under s. 163.1, the defence of [[Child Pornography (Offence)|“private use”]] is available.
* Mistaken belief of age
* [[Entrapment]]

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS -->
|s. x {{DescrSec|x}} || || ||
|-
{{VictimEnd}}
{{606NoticeSPIO|s. 172.1}}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}
{{seealsoSentencingSexual}}

; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> From July 16, 2015 | {{summary}} | {{Max2YearsLess}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> From July 16, 2015 | {{indictment}} | {{Max14Years}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to July 15, 2015 | {{summary}} | {{Max18Months}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to Until July 15, 2015 | {{indictment}} | {{Max10Years}} }}
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Max10Years}}'''|'''{{Max18Months}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{SProfileMinHeader}}
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> From August 9, 2012 | {{summary}} | {{Min90Days}}| Same}}
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> From August 9, 2012 | {{indictment}} | {{Min1Year}} | Same}}
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> Until August 8, 2012 | Any  | None| Same }}
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MinPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Min1Year}}'''|'''{{Min90Days}}'''}}<ref>
Only applies if offences occurs after August 9th, 2012. Otherwise, no minimums</ref>

; Available Sentences
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 172.1 <br>From August 9, 2012 || any || {{SProfileOnlyJail}}
|-
|s. 172.1  <br>Before August 9, 2012 || any || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{OnlyJailAvailable|s. 172.1}}

Amendments to s. 172.1 on August 9, 2012 removed the availability of conditional sentences. Offences occurring after August 9, 2012 are subject to a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 90 days.

; Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences have been said to be available in the "rarest of cases."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Folino|1lxgn|2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA)|202 CCC (3d) 353}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{AtL|1lxgn|25}}</ref> 
Other courts have commented that this "rareness" standard is too strict.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|El-Jamel|2cgkc|2010 ONCA 575 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 293}}{{perONCA|Juriansz JA}}{{atL|2cgkc|17}}</ref>
It was suggested that at the least, exceptional circumstances are expected:<ref>
{{ibid1|El-Jamel}}{{atL|2cgkc|36}}{{perONCA|Watt JA}} in dissent</ref>
#a negligible risk of recidivism
#acceptance of responsibility
#Participation and progress in an appropriate treatment program
#a devastating impact on the offender and his family
#assaults by other inmates while in custody awaiting release
#medical evidence suggesting incarceration would put him at “risk of fatal dissociation culminating in possible suicide..." and being in a "very fragile mental and physical state”.

; Consecutive Sentences
{{ConsecutiveSexOffence|172.1}}

{{Reflist|2}}

===Principles===
Child luring is a "preparatory crime" that "criminalizes conduct that precedes the commission of the sexual offences to which it refers."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Paradee|fw0lb|2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII)|542 AR 222}}{{perABCA| Paperny JA}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}<br>
</ref>

Often, the offenders will attempt or successfully commit additional offences such as "viewing the underage victim as she performs sexual acts at his urging"<ref>
{{ibid1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}</ref>, sharing child pornography, or arranging meetings in real life for illicit purposes.

; Purpose
The purpose of the enactment of s. 172.1 was to target "predatory adults who, generally for a sexual purpose, troll the Internet for vulnerable children and adolescents. Shielded by the anonymity of an assumed online name and profile, they aspire to gain the trust of their targeted victims through computer "chats" -- and then to tempt or entice them into sexual activity, over the Internet or, still worse, in person.”<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}</ref>

The enactment further intends "to protect children, who are by definition vulnerable members of society and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by potential predators through the use of internet communications." <ref>
{{supra1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}</ref>

The offence involves "pre-meditated conduct specifically designed to engage an underage person in a relationship with the offender, with the goal of reducing the inhibitions of the young person so that he or she will be prepared to engage in further conduct that is not only criminal but extremely harmful."<ref>
{{supra1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|12}}</ref>

The offender's anonymity allows for "predatory behaviours through seemingly innocuous but persistent communication, and to count on the victims letting their guard down because the communication occurs in the privacy and supposed safety of their own homes."<ref>
{{supra1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|12}}</ref>

; Principles
The focus should be on denunciation and deterrence resulting in some institutional time.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Folino|1lxgn|2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA)|202 CCC (3d) 353}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{atL|1lxgn|25}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Jepson|, [2004] OJ No 5521 (Sup. Ct.)}}{{at-|19}}<br>
</ref>

; Young Victim
{{YVictimPrinciple}}

; Position of Trust
An offender who becomes a "confidante" to the victim can be considered in a position of trust.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Fones|fv825|2012 MBCA 110 (CanLII)|104 WCB (2d) 1071}}{{perMBCA|Hamilton JA}}
</ref>

; Constitutionality
There is division on whether the mandatory minimum of 1 year required under s. 172.1 is unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hood|hqjvd|2018 NSCA 18 (CanLII)|45 CR (7th) 269}}{{perNSCA| MacDonald CJ and Beveridge JA}} (s. 172.1(1))<br>
cf. {{CanLIIRP|EJB|ht496|2018 ABCA 239 (CanLII)|72 Alta LR (6th) 29}}{{perABCA|McDonald JA}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIRx|Faroughi|j5hwj|2020 ONSC 780 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Leibovich J}} - re 172.1(2)(a)
{{CanLIIRx|BS|hw5w0|2018 BCSC 2044 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Sharma J}} re s. 151 and 172.1<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Stapley|g6ld9|2014 ONCJ 184 (CanLII)|307 CRR (2d) 147}}{{perONCJ|Griffin J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Factors===
====Aggravating====
* Age or simulated age of complainant
* the offender sending explicit images to victim
* amount of grooming done by offender (amount of sex talk, encouragement to perform sex acts)
* communications over a long duration
* offender attempted to arrange a meeting
* meeting resulted in sexual assault or attempt
* offence included the creation of child pornography

====Mitigating====
* youthful offender
* offender close in age to complainant
* no attempts or prospects of meeting in person

It is not a mitigating factor nor does it lessen the seriousness of the offence that there was no "real" victim where the offender was found luring an undercover officer.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Doxtator|fwm58|2013 ONCJ 139 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Dean J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Graff|gjrhf|2015 ABQB 415 (CanLII)|337 CRR (2d) 77}}{{perABQB| Nielsen J}} at 107<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Child Luring}}
The starting point for luring with no record is 12 months<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Daniels|21hct|2008 ABPC 252 (CanLII)|452 AR 178}}{{perABPC| Semenuk J}} ("the usual sentence for a single charge of luring a child by an accused with no prior criminal record is around 12 months.")</ref> and typically runs as high as 24 months.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Jarvis|1p374|2006 CanLII 27300 |}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|1p374|31}} (“the range of sentence for child luring generally lies between twelve months and two years and that circumstances such as possession of child pornography…will require a sentence at the upper end of the range”)<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Folino|1lxgn|2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA)|202 CCC (3d) 353}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{atL|1lxgn|25}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}{{atL|22h4d|49}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Morrison||2019 SCC 15}}, at para. 177<br>
</ref>
Where there is a record the range is between 15 to 24 months. Two years or more is usually where the offence includes another related sexual offence.<ref>
{{supra1|Daniels}}</ref>

Where the luring also involves child pornography, the range may be in the upper part of the 12 to 24 month range.<ref>
{{supra1|Jarvis}}{{atL|1p374|31}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}

{{AOrder1| [[DNA Orders]] | s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} |
*{{PrimDNA1|s. 172.1}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[SOIRA Orders]] | s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} |
* {{SOIRA1|BHybrid|s. 172.1(a), (b), or (c)}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[Section 161 Orders]]| s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} |
* {{Section161|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} }} }}

{{AOrder1| [[Forfeiture of Computer-related Property|Forfeiture Order&mdash;Computer-related]] (s.164.2) | s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} |
* must be "used" or "owned" by the offender in relation to a conviction of child pornography, child luring or arrange sex offence against a child.
* application to '''superior court''' of the province only. }}

{{AOrder1| [[Delayed Parole Eligibility|Delayed Parole Order]] | s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} |
* {{ParoleDelayEligible|1|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} }} }}

{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons== 
{{NoRecordSuspension|s. 172.1 {{DescrSec|172.1}} }}

==History==
* [[History of Child Luring]]

==See Also==
; References
* [[Terms and Conditions of Probation#Examples of Conditions Based on Offences|Terms of Probation Based on Offence]]

{{OffencesNavBar/Sexual}}