NCJ Number
101828
Date Published
1985
Length
108 pages
Annotation
The impact of the 1982 Criminal Justice Act on the sentencing of youthful male offenders in England and Wales was of youthful male offenders in England and Wales was studied using data from 12 magistrates' courts.
Abstract
Data came from the records of all custodial sentences on males aged 14 to 20 between January and June 1984, from interviews with court and correctional officials, and from a sample of case records. The analysis focused particularly on the use of custodial sentences. The 293 sentences of immediate custody of youths aged 14 to 20 received detailed analysis. The law has not helped reduce the number of young people entering the custodial system. Ambiguities exist in the law, and the courts vary in its application. Reduction in the use of custody will probably not occur as long as custody itself remains the standard against which other sentences like community service and probation are measured. Setting age restrictions on custodial sentences, using repeated noncustodial penalties for repeat offenders, or closing institutions are among possible ways to reduce the use of custodial sentences. Data tables, figures, chapter notes, case list, index, and 45 references.