The discussion notes that Canada lacks a sensible and defensible sentencing policy and that the problems with sentencing are much more serious than the often-repeated mantra that sentences are not harsh enough. Most Canadians are intelligent enough to understand that harsher sentences are not the most effective way to control crime in general or youth crime in particular. In fact, most Canadians would prefer to invest in non-prison sanctions or prevention than to invest in more prisons for adults or youth. It appears that the public prefers that their political leaders and their judges seek sensible ways of using resources that would also hold adults and youth accountable for what they have done. Restorative approaches such as family group conferences would appear to meet criteria that would address public concerns about sentencing. Tables, notes, and 17 references (Author abstract modified)