Aims (the Criminal Justice Act 2003) sets out the
aims for sentencing
Deterrence
General
Persuades others future
offences not in their
interest
Individual
Persuades D repeat
offences not in their
interest
Retribution
if someone has broken the law then
they should be punished
Protection of the public
the offender is given a sentence that makes
them incapable of committing further crime .
This is achieved through a long custodial
sentence
Reform and Rehabilitate
Aim to alter the
offenders behaviour so
that he won't re offend
i.e. through drug/alcohol
treatment or anger
management
Reparation
The offender makes amends,
maybe through a compensation
order
Range of sentences
Custodial sentences
Are the most severe form of
punishment and involve
imprisonment, either immediate or
suspended.
A discretionary life
sentence can be
given for s.18 OAPA
1861.
A fixed term
prison
sentence
The Criminal Justice Act 2003
created a community order
Unpaid work (40-300),
alcohol/drug treatment,
curfew requirement
alcohol/drug treatment
a supervision
treatment
a curfew
requirement
Financial
sentences
A fine to the state or a
compensation order to
the victim
Discharges
Conditional discharge or an
Absolute discharge
Factors
The maximum sentence allowed by
PARLIAMENT: assault or battery = 6
months, S.47 or S.20 OAPA 1861 = 5
years, s.18 OAPA 1861 = life
The maximum
sentencing powers of
the COURT, magistrates
6 months (12) etc
AGGRAVATING
FACTORS e.g CJA 2003
Previous convictions for similar
offences. Unprovoked. Use of
weapon. Committed whilst on bail.
MITIGATING FACTORS
e.g CJA 2003
No previous convictions.
Cooperation with the police.
Provocation by V. Pleaded guilty
at first possible oppurtunity
Aims of sentencing
SERIOUSNESS: Under the CJA 1991 an offender of
S.18 OAPA 1861 should only be given life
imprisonment "if it is necessary to protect the
public from serious harm from the off