NCJ Number
158661
Date Published
1995
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Following a review of the objectives of sentencing by British courts, this chapter provides an overview of the various sentencing options.
Abstract
Sentencing objectives discussed include incapacitation and the protection of society, offender rehabilitation, deterrence, and punishment and just deserts. A section that identifies the sentencers notes that they consist of approximately 1,400 circuit and High Court judges and more than 30,000 magistrates. On conviction or a guilty plea, they exercise a wide discretion. An examination of information provided sentencers encompasses the presentence reports. A discussion of the development of the sentencing framework in Great Britain focuses on the objectives of the 1991 Criminal Justice Act, which bases sentencing on offense seriousness and just deserts for the offender. This implies a range of sentences appropriate for varying degrees of offense seriousness. This has led to a new sentencing framework that must be followed by the court. Categories of sentencing are custodial sentences; community sentence; fines; and discharges, binding- over orders, or other disposals. These sentence categories are profiled, along with deferment of sentence and compensation (restitution) orders. 3 tables and 13 footnotes