Sentencing

The overall main aim is to achieve justice

There are minimum and maximum sentence available

There are four indiviudal main aims of sentencing

There are guidelines judges have to follow

This is based on the idea that a crime deserves to be met by punishment.

"An eye for an eye"

This includes being jailed, unpaid work in the community or a fine.

This is aimed at reducing future levels of crime.

There are two types of deterrance:

• General - To deter other potential offenders by making an example of offenders
• Individual - To deter D from re-offending

This is when the sentence is to try and repair D's character and make a better person. The aim is to remove the cause of the problem, for example, alcohol/drugs.

This is often seen as having a negative effect, as it can be difficult for offenders to find a job upon release, leading to re-offending

This keeps the public safe from the offender

For dangerous offenders, prison is the only option, but this is only effective for when they are inside.

Other examples inclue a curfew or exclusion.

This is payment of compensation to the victim through resorative justice which gives victims the chance to tell offenders the impact of the crime on their life, and receive an apology

This can include life imprisonment and discretionary life, often in cases of murder. For life imprisonment, the judges set a minimum term according to the type of murder. Discretionary Life includes offences such as S18 GBH.

This can also include suspended sentences, where the offender is given a time in which they cannot reoffend, or they will face the sentence.

This is non-custodial and can include:

 - unpaid work up to 300 hours

- a curfew

- alcohol treatment

- supervision order

- exclusions from a certain area

These can include fines

There is a maximum of £500 in the magistrates court, but unlimited in the crown court

This can also include a compensation order

There are two types of discharge:

Absoloute - Imposes no penalty (goes on record but no further action)

Conditional - If further offence is committed in the stated tiem period given then original sentence can be resentenced

This aims to rehabilitate the offender so they face up to their crime