Justice for All: A Summary of Cambridge Conference Discussions (From Confronting Crime: Crime Control Policy Under New Labour, P 224-239, 2003, Michael Tonry, ed. -- See NCJ-204841)

• NCJ Number: 204852
• Author(s): David A. Green
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This chapter provides brief summaries of the group discussions following the presentations of papers at the Cambridge Conference that considered the policy proposals in the British Home Office White Paper entitled "Justice for All."

Abstract

The discussion summaries focus on six papers that posed key issues for consideration by conference participants over the 2 days of the conference. After the presentation of a paper on the policy approach to "dangerous sex offenders," several participants voiced little confidence that the new provisions in the White Paper would help practitioners better manage sex offenders in the community. Some preferred a substantial government commitment of resources for the delivery of services rather than the creation of a new sentence. There was little confidence among participants that risk-assessment instruments could provide the basis for case-management decisions regarding sex offenders. The discussion following a paper on the new policy for combining custody options with community supervision involved concern that the multiple and strict conditions for compliance with community-based supervision would result in more violations and a consequent increase in the time spent in custody. Discussion topics following a paper on sentencing guidelines included the importance of obtaining judicial support for and compliance with any guidelines system and the importance of crafting a rationale for sentencing to guide the development of the sentencing guidelines. Discussion following a paper on the countering of cumulative "nuisance" offenses that affect the quality of life in a community focused on concern about harsh sanctions and an alternative proposal that would address the root causes of excessive nuisance offenses by individuals and groups in a community. Other discussions summarized pertain to procedural and evidentiary protections in British courts under new reform proposals and the management of drug-dependent offenders through mandatory drug treatment programs.