Menu
05/03/2004
Government hails newly created sentencing council
The government has hailed the creation of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council as a step towards "clearer and more consistent sentences" for criminals.
The Council, which will hold its first meeting today, will create and revise a comprehensive set of sentencing guidelines for all offences. It will enable all courts and practitioners to follow a common structure and to approach a case from a constructive starting point, applying detailed guidelines to determine the appropriate sentence, the government said.
In a change from current practice, the Council includes members of the judiciary, including the Lord Chief Justice who will chair the panel, as well as members with experience of the police, probation and prison services and victims of crime as well as representatives from the legal profession.
The government has said that it hopes such a broad representation on the Council will help to create "high-quality guidelines" that command the respect of the judiciary and inspire the confidence of the wider public.
The Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said: "For the public to have confidence in the criminal justice system, it is essential that we have consistency in sentencing. People need to see justice being done in a way that commands their confidence and respect.
"The Council will create dialogue between the judiciary who pass sentences and the correctional services that have to implement them. This will strengthen the Council and ensure greater confidence than ever before in the quality of the guidelines."
Announcing the appointment of the judicial members of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council Lord Falconer, the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, said: "It is important that the judiciary and magistracy have confidence in the Council and I believe that we have achieved the right balance on the Council which will enable this to occur."
The Sentencing Guidelines Council was set up under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
(gmcg)
The Council, which will hold its first meeting today, will create and revise a comprehensive set of sentencing guidelines for all offences. It will enable all courts and practitioners to follow a common structure and to approach a case from a constructive starting point, applying detailed guidelines to determine the appropriate sentence, the government said.
In a change from current practice, the Council includes members of the judiciary, including the Lord Chief Justice who will chair the panel, as well as members with experience of the police, probation and prison services and victims of crime as well as representatives from the legal profession.
The government has said that it hopes such a broad representation on the Council will help to create "high-quality guidelines" that command the respect of the judiciary and inspire the confidence of the wider public.
The Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said: "For the public to have confidence in the criminal justice system, it is essential that we have consistency in sentencing. People need to see justice being done in a way that commands their confidence and respect.
"The Council will create dialogue between the judiciary who pass sentences and the correctional services that have to implement them. This will strengthen the Council and ensure greater confidence than ever before in the quality of the guidelines."
Announcing the appointment of the judicial members of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council Lord Falconer, the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, said: "It is important that the judiciary and magistracy have confidence in the Council and I believe that we have achieved the right balance on the Council which will enable this to occur."
The Sentencing Guidelines Council was set up under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2003
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
26 February 2014
New Guidelines Produced For Environmental Crimes
New guidelines for the sentencing of environmental offences have been published by the Sentencing Council. Covering offences like fly-tipping and waste crimes, the guidelines encourage magistrates to use "the highest levels" of fines for serious offenders.
New Guidelines Produced For Environmental Crimes
New guidelines for the sentencing of environmental offences have been published by the Sentencing Council. Covering offences like fly-tipping and waste crimes, the guidelines encourage magistrates to use "the highest levels" of fines for serious offenders.
14 March 2013
Sentencing Council Proposes Tougher Fines For Fly-Tipping
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales has called for larger fines to be issued to people responsible for repeatedly dumping waste. Magistrates should impose greater fines more frequently against the most serious offenders, the council, which gives guidance to the courts, says.
Sentencing Council Proposes Tougher Fines For Fly-Tipping
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales has called for larger fines to be issued to people responsible for repeatedly dumping waste. Magistrates should impose greater fines more frequently against the most serious offenders, the council, which gives guidance to the courts, says.
06 December 2012
Board Recommends Tougher Sex Crime Sentencing
Rape and other sex offences could carry tougher sentencing in England and Wales in an effort to recognise the long-term psychological harm they cause.
Board Recommends Tougher Sex Crime Sentencing
Rape and other sex offences could carry tougher sentencing in England and Wales in an effort to recognise the long-term psychological harm they cause.
15 May 2012
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail. The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail. The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
