News
Sentencing Council launches new definitive guideline for dangerous dog offences
15 May 2012
Today, the Sentencing Council is publishing a new guideline for judges and magistrates on the sentencing of dangerous dog offences.
The new guideline, which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 20 August 2012.
The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.
Dangerous dog offences definitive guideline.
Below is a short video clip in which Tim Godwin, member of the Sentencing Council, outlines the announcement.
Sentencing Council publishes guidelines on allocation, offences taken into consideration and totality
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Today, the Sentencing Council is publishing definitive guidelines on three overarching aspects of sentencing: allocation, offences taken into consideration and totality.
The guidelines, which have been issued following a 12 week public consultation, will come into effect on 11 June 2012.
The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.
It should be noted that the corresponding Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines (MCSG) update contains revised relevant weekly income figures which have immediate effect.
All publications are available here.
Sentencing Council launches new definitive guideline for drug offences
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Today, the Sentencing Council is publishing a new guideline for judges and magistrates on the sentencing of drug offences.
The new guideline, which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 27 February 2012. Although primarily aimed at criminal justice professionals, the guideline is specifically designed to be accessible and clear to the public.
The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.
Burglary offences guideline comes into effect
Monday, 16 January 2012
Following a three month period of training and implementation the definitive guideline on burglary offences came into effect on 16 January 2012.
This guideline and the updated Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines are available here.
Sentencing for dangerous dog offences – consultation launched on sentencing guidelines
Thursday, 15 December 2011
The Sentencing Council has launched a 12-week consultation on its proposed guidelines for judges and magistrates to use when sentencing people for dangerous dog offences.
Find out more about the consultation exercise.
Read the press release.
Crown Court Sentencing Survey – first results published
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
The Sentencing Council has published a report with results from the Crown Court Sentencing Survey, an ongoing data collection exercise of sentencing decisions made in the Crown Court that is required for the Council to comply with the terms of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
The report presents the findings of the first six months of the survey. It can be accessed here.
Sentencing Council publishes annual report
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
The Sentencing Council has published its first annual report since it came into being in April 2010.
The report outlines activities from April 2010 to March 2011, focussing particularly on consulting on and developing guidelines around assault and drug offences, the launch of the Crown Court Sentencing Survey and work to improve public understanding in sentencing. A copy of the report is available here.
Resource impact of the Government's proposals on Suspended Sentence Orders published
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
At the request of the Lord Chancellor, the Sentencing Council has considered the resource effects of proposed changes to Suspended Sentence Orders (SSOs) contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
This work has involved analysis of existing sentencing data, as well as qualitative interviews with Crown Court judges who currently use SSOs and will be affected by any changes introduced. The report can be read here.
Sentencing Council launches new definitive guideline for burglary offences
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Today, the Sentencing Council is publishing a new guideline for judges and magistrates. It aims to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to sentencing, with convicted offenders receiving a sentence that reflects both the harm they have caused to their victim and their culpability.
The new guideline, which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 16 January 2012. Although primarily aimed at criminal justice professionals, the guideline is specifically designed to be accessible and clear both to victims and to the public.
The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.
Statement following Council discussion on sentencing for offences committed during the August riots
Friday 16 September 2011
Guidance to judges and magistrates on appropriate sentencing levels come from definitive guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council and from guideline judgments from the Court of Appeal.
The Council has discussed the impact of the summer’s riots on guidelines at its September meeting today and is aware that the Court of Appeal will be considering cases relating to the August disturbances very shortly. It has decided that it is not necessary to issue further guidelines at this time. Neither will it comment on specific appeals.
Guidelines are deliberately designed to be flexible, setting out sentencing ranges for each offence, which allows for the reflection of the wide range of circumstances in which they are committed. They set out a step by step approach which judges must follow to ensure a consistent approach to sentencing. The guideline approach allows sentencers to sentence at the top of these ranges - above the levels expected for the vast majority of cases - or depart from them altogether if it is in the interests of justice to do so, as long as reasons are given.
Since April, the Council has been consulting on proposed definitive guidelines for offences of burglary, including non-domestic burglary. In light of this consultation these guidelines were also discussed and it was agreed to include, within factors indicating greater harm in relation to non-domestic burglary, the context of general public disorder. This is intended to be seen in relation to all public disorder and is not specifically designed to address recent events.
The Sentencing Council issues definitive sentencing guidelines following extensive discussion and consultation with justice professionals and the public. Sentencing guidelines play an essential role in ensuring a consistent approach to sentencing in courts across England and Wales.
Consultation launched on draft guidelines on three overarching aspects of sentencing
Thursday 15 September 2011
The Sentencing Council is seeking views on its proposed sentencing guidelines on Allocation, Offences Taken into Consideration and Allocation, with a consultation launched today. The draft guidelines aim to ensure that the principles in each of these areas of sentencing practice are applied consistently throughout courts in England and Wales.
Read the full press release.
Find out more about the consultation exercise.
Web survey
Wednesday 7 September 2011
The Sentencing Council is currently conducting a short web survey to find out a bit more about our users and ways to improve the website.
We value your feedback, and would appreciate if you took a few moments to answer some short questions. All responses are anonymous. If the survey has not appeared automatically appeared on your screen, and you would like to take part, you can access the survey here.
Liverpool event increases sentencing understanding
Friday 29 July 2011
The Sentencing Council’s first public event to increase understanding about sentencing was held last night in Liverpool, with more than 80 people from Merseyside in attendance.
It took place alongside a week of coverage about sentencing in the Liverpool Echo, with the paper working with the Sentencing Council to highlight the kinds of burglars that come before the courts and how judges and magistrates go about sentencing them.
The event was hosted by BBC Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips, with local members of the judiciary – Judge Henry Globe, Judge David Fletcher and magistrate Eunice Wise – explaining how the sentencing process works and asking for views on how burglars should be sentenced as part of the Sentencing Council’s public consultation on its proposed guidelines for judges on burglary offences.
It was also an opportunity for members of the public to pass sentence in some fictional scenarios of some of the types of burglary that come before the courts. Three burglary sentencing scenarios were presented, with attendees then asked to choose which sentence from four options they would give the burglar in each case to see how their verdicts compared with those of a real judge. The results showed that in two of the three scenarios, the most popular option was the same as the sentence a judge or magistrate would have passed. Interestingly in the third scenario, the option chosen by the highest number of people was a more lenient sentence than a judge would pass.
Attendees were also asked more generally about the effect the event had on their understanding of sentencing. 83 per cent felt that their understanding of the sentencing process had increased as a result of coming to the event, and 88 per cent felt more informed about the sentences given to people convicted of burglary offences.
Give your verdict on sentencing
Thursday 14 July 2011
The Sentencing Council is holding a public event in Liverpool to explain sentencing and give people the chance to hear the kind of cases judges frequently deal with, pass sentences themselves, and then find out how their verdict compares with a judge’s. The event on 28 July is open to all members of the public and is being supported by the Liverpool Echo. It will explain the basics of sentencing, how the sentencing process works, and ask for views on how burglars should be sentenced as part of the Sentencing Council’s public consultation on its proposed guidelines for judges on burglary offences.
There will be an opportunity to listen to some sentencing scenarios and pass sentence and to pose some questions to our panel of criminal justice professionals who will be chaired by local judge and Sentencing Council member Henry Globe.
Date: Thursday 28 July, 7-9pm (with refreshments from 6.30pm)
Venue: Liverpool Town Hall, High Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 3SW
Spaces for the event are limited so if you are interested in attending the event please email us.
Assault guidelines come into effect
Monday 13 June 2011
Following a three months period of training and implementation the definitive guideline on assault came into effect on 13 June 2011. It aims to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to sentencing, with convicted offenders receiving a sentence that reflects both the harm they have caused to their victim and their culpability.
This guideline and the updated Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines, incorporating the new assault guideline, are available here.
Sentencing for drug offences - reminder to contribute to consultation
Thursday 26 May 2011
The consultation on the Sentencing Council’s draft guideline on drug offences will close on 20 June and with this date approaching, the Council is keen to encourage legal professionals with experience or an interest in the subject to contribute their views.
The new guideline applies to both the Crown and magistrates’ courts with the aim of encouraging a consistency in approach to sentencing drugs offenders. It covers the most commonly sentenced drug offences including importation, production, supply, permitting premises to be used for drugs offences and possession. It will mean sentences will be based on the court’s assessment of the harm caused and the culpability of the offender as demonstrated by the offender’s role in the offence and the quantity of drugs involved or scale of the operation.
Despite some newspaper reports to the contrary, the Sentencing Council is not planning to change sentencing in relation to supply offences, other than in two specific areas. The draft guideline does not propose any reduction in the high sentences currently given to drug dealers - where an offender involved with class A drugs profits, whether financially or otherwise, prison is the only option the draft guidelines allow. It also reflects current sentencing practice in relation to “social supply” offences where individuals procure drugs for themselves and friends at no profit or benefit to themselves.
The proposed changes relate to sentencing for some importation and production offences. The Council is proposing that sentences for drug mules, who may be coerced or misled into carrying drugs, are reduced, although sentences remain custodial for all but the most minor importation offences. Drug barons playing a leading role in large scale smuggling will continue to face long prison sentences. The Council is also proposing to adapt sentences for those involved in the cultivation of cannabis to reflect the changes taking place in the way the offence is committed and to ensure that the toughest sentences are available for those responsible for running such operations.
Submissions to the consultation can be made by email or post. All consultation documents, along with a resource assessment and equality impact report and research report can be found here.
Sentencing for burglary offences: consultation launched on changes to judges’ guidelines
Thursday 12 May 2011
The Sentencing Council has published a public consultation on its proposals to introduce a new guideline for the sentencing of burglary offences. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 4 August 2011. The proposals will bring burglary offences into a single guideline for Crown and magistrates’ courts in order to increase the consistency of sentencing across both courts. The draft guideline reinforces current sentencing practice and places a renewed emphasis on the impact of burglaries on victims, ensuring that they are of primary concern in the sentencing process.
Find out more about the consultation exercise.
Read the press release.
The initial reaction from organisations representing victims has been positive - find out what the Victims' Commissioner thinks.
More Effective Responses to Anti-Social Behaviour - The Sentencing Council's response to the Government's consultation
Wednesday 4 May 2011
The Sentencing Council has responded to the Home Office's consultation on anti-social behaviour. The Council's response comprises its views on those topics within the consultation that relate to sentencing.
Sentencing for drug offences: consultation launched on changes to judges’ guidelines
Monday 28 March 2011
The Sentencing Council launched a 12 week consultation proposing changes to the guidelines that judges and magistrates use to sentence people for drug offences.
Find out more about the consultation exercise.
Read the press release.
Sentencing Council launches new definitive guideline for assault offences.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Today, the Sentencing Council is publishing a new guideline for judges and magistrates. It aims to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to sentencing, with convicted offenders receiving a sentence that reflects both the harm they have caused to their victim and their culpability.
The new guideline, which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 13 June. Although primarily aimed at criminal justice professionals, the guideline is specifically designed to be accessible and clear both to victims and to the public.
The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.
Breaking the Cycle consultation - The Sentencing Council's response to the Government's green paper
Tuesday 1 March 2011
The Sentencing Council has responded to the Ministry of Justice's consultation on the reform of the criminal justice system. The Council's response comprises its views on those questions and topics within the green paper that relate to sentencing.
Strong interest in Sentencing Competition
Wednesday 2 February 2011
The deadline for expressions of interest from LPC and BPTC students in the Sentencing Council’s Sentencing Competition has now passed. We were very pleased to receive over 200 entries. Look out for future updates as the competition progresses, culminating in the final rounds at The Old Bailey in March 2011 and presided over by our Chairman, Lord Justice Leveson.
Sentencing Competition launched
Friday 14 January 2011
The Sentencing Council's first Sentencing Competition has now been launched.
An initial written round will take place in February, and the six highest scoring students will then compete in the semi final and final rounds to be held at The Old Bailey in March 2011 and presided over by Lord Justice Leveson. The top prize will be a choice of either a mini pupillage at criminal chambers QEB Hollis Whiteman or a work experience placement at solicitors' offices Lewis Nedas & Co.
All current BPTC and LPC students are invited to take part and email their expressions of interest (stating name, course and university/law school address) by Tuesday 1 February 2011. Further information, and the initial written case to be completed will then be sent out to interested students.
Case Update
Tuesday 30 November 2010
A first edition of the bi-monthly Case Update, aimed at legal professionals, is now available. This is an update of Court of Appeal cases for offences where there are no existing guidelines or where the case relates to general sentencing principles.
Justice Select Committee calls for views on draft guideline
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Parliament’s Justice Select Committee is calling for contributions to the Sentencing Council’s consultation on its draft guideline on assault. They have set out a range of questions on which they wish to gather evidence, such as the proposed structure, the balance between harm and culpability and the impact on victims and the reduction of reoffending. Full information can be found here.
Chairman of the Sentencing Council, Lord Justice Leveson, said: “I am delighted that the Justice Select Committee has been prepared to take time to obtain evidence and consider our proposed Guideline and I look forward to seeing their contribution to our work.”
Sentencing for assault: consultation launched on changes to judges’ guidelines
Wednesday 13 October 2010
The Sentencing Council launched a 12 week consultation proposing changes to the guidelines that judges and magistrates use to sentence people for offences of assault.
Find out more about the consultation exercise.
Read the press release.
Sentencing Council launches courts survey
Friday 01 October 2010
The Sentencing Council has launched the first survey of its kind to analyse the use of sentencing guidelines in Crown Courts.
Find out more about the survey.
Today examines future changes in criminal justice system
Wednesday 22 September 2010
The Today programme on Radio 4 is running a series of debates on the criminal justice system this week starting on Wednesday 22 September - topics covered include sentencing.
Read more about Roger Graef's 'search for justice' series on Radio 4.
Sentencing Council to launch courts survey
Thursday 16 September 2010
On 1 October, the Sentencing Council will be launching the first survey of its kind to analyse the use of sentencing guidelines in Crown Courts. One of the Council’s statutory duties is to monitor the operation and effect of sentencing guidelines, and the survey will be taking place in all Crown Courts in England and Wales. The survey’s findings will also help the Council assess what costs and resources will be required by proposed sentencing guidelines.
Lord Justice Leveson discusses the work of the Sentencing Council on Law in Action
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Lord Justice Leveson spoke to Joshua Rozenberg on the BBC’s Law in Action programme in his first broadcast interview as Chairman of the Sentencing Council.
The discussion covered issues including the role of the Council and the importance of ensuring consistency in sentencing.
Judges told that justice is safe from ‘tramline’ sentencing
Thursday 3 June 2010
In an interview with The Times, Lord Justice Leveson has reassured judges that their independence and freedom to tailor sentences to particular cases is not threatened by the new requirement that judges must follow sentencing guidelines.
Read the full article on The Times' website (registration required).