IPRT Resources on Sentencing
28th February 2024
A critical objective of IPRT’s work is to improve transparency about the role, purpose, and current practice in sentencing in Ireland.
To help achieve this, IPRT commissioned some short papers to provide clear and up-to-date information on sentencing policy and practice. Further resources will be added to this webpage over time.
Types of sentencing
A sentence doesn’t always mean a prison sentence (what is called a ‘custodial sentence’). In certain circumstances, there are other types of ‘sentences’ that can be imposed by a court as punishment (on conviction for a criminal offence).
These explainers set out what is meant by each of these types of ‘sentences’ in the criminal justice system.
- Community Service Orders
- Conditional Discharge
- Custodial Sentence
- Deferred Sentence
- Dismissal
- Fines
- Life Sentences
- Suspended Sentences
Briefing Papers on the Aims of Sentencing (coming soon)
What is the purpose of sentencing as part of a criminal justice system?
Sentencing is about a court choosing and then enforcing a punishment for a crime, but what does the criminal justice system, and society, hope to achieve through sentencing?
With these questions in mind, soon we will have short Briefing Papers outlining five principles of punishment that inform Irish sentencing practice.
- Deterrence
- Rehabilitation
- Incapacitation
- Retribution
- Restorative Justice
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- Lack of clarity over budget funding for addiction and mental health supports in prisons
- IPRT presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme: Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
- Children's Ombudsman calls to extend youth justice sanctions to adults under 24
- Prisons today Alternative sentences for most prisoners? Podcast Interview on Near FM with Saoirse Brady
