Law and Rights
It is reported that the judges are critical of aspects of the sentencing proposals which have been put forward by Kenneth Clarke QC MP (the Secretary of State for Justice) in the green paper "Breaking the Cycle" - looked at on this blog last December. The green paper (para 216) suggested the possibility of a 50% reduction for an early guilty plea as a means of getting the guilty to plead and save the costs of a trial. The judges argue that reducing sentences by more than one-third would fail to recognise the seriousness of the offences and may lead some into making false admissions.
The consultation period on "Breaking the Cycle ..." has ended with the government receiving some 1200 responses. The Ministry of Justice reaction to the consultation is awaited.
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Law and Rights
Judges critical of Clarke's proposals for sentencing reform
The consultation period on "Breaking the Cycle ..." has ended with the government receiving some 1200 responses. The Ministry of Justice reaction to the consultation is awaited.
- Act Now To Try To Stop 'justice' Being Only For The Rich And Powerful
*** Please sign the e-petition on Legal Aid - the aim is to try to persuade Parliament to debate the Ministry of Justice plans to slash legal aid. Why should any Minister be allowed to seriously alter the rights of the British citizen just by stroke...
- Justice And Security Green Paper - Human Rights Conference - Law Of Contract Online
Justice and Security Green Paper: The government's Green Paper "Justice and Security" has been open for consultation since October 2011. The consultation closes on 6th January 2012. The proposals relate to civil proceedings and inquests...
- Kicking The "rhino's Skin" ... (the Discomfiture Of Mr Clarke) - Dna Profiles - The Stephen Lawrence Murder
Breaking the Cycle and discount for guilty plea: In December 2010 Law and Lawyers looked at the White Paper - "Breaking the Cycle ...." - which set out the government's thinking on reforms to the ways in which offenders are dealt with. One...
- The Judges Respond To Government Criminal Justice Proposals
Crown Court at LiverpoolTwo responses to the government's green paper "Breaking the Cycle" have been published - see Judiciary website. One is from Lord Justice Thomas (Vice-President of the Queen's Bench Division and Deputy Head of Criminal...
- Time Off For Early Admission Of Guilt
The Times, which is unfortunately hidden behind a "pay wall", reports that there are plans to reward those who admit their crimes at the first possible stage. Under present sentencing guidelines a discount on sentence of up to one-third is available...