10th January 2022
The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee has published a short information guide for the public on the core factors influencing sentencing, in the form of bullet points.
The information guide explores the guidelines in place in respect of some sentences, namely: assault manslaughter, rape, defilement, assault causing serious harm, dangerous driving causing death and serious bodily harm, possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, possession of child pornography, robbery, burglary, cannabis cultivation, and tax and welfare fraud. The guide provides links to any relevant case law that sets out the sentencing guidelines in respect of each offence discussed.
This work is welcomed by IPRT, and we hope to see the publication of similar guides for the general public. Transparency in sentencing is essential to building trust in the judicial process.
Read Sentencing Judgments Guidance for the General Public on the Judicial Council website here.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.