Sentencing and Criminal Justice

The revised and updated new edition of Sentencing Law and Practice in England and Wales focuses on major developments in sentencing law, practice, and theory, with a focus on Sentencing Council guidelines and scrutiny of those guidelines. It examines issues of principle, proportionality, and sentencing of BAME offenders and women offenders, and welcomes the new Sentencing Code and critically examines the government's plans for sentencing reform.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Sentencing in England and Wales has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the Sentencing Council guidelines becoming the primary source of sentencing law and practice. This new edition of the book focuses on major developments in sentencing law, practice, and theory, providing a comprehensive overview of the sentencing landscape in England and Wales.

The book begins by examining the constitutional position of the Sentencing Council, discussing its role in shaping sentencing policy and the challenges it faces. It then explores the meaning of proportionality and the challenges to its application, including the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights. The book also examines the sentencing of BAME offenders and women offenders, highlighting the need for a more equitable and fair sentencing system.

The book welcomes the new Sentencing Code, introduced as the Sentencing Act 2020, and critically examines the government's plans for sentencing reform, set out in the 2020 White Paper A Smarter Approach to Sentencing. Throughout the book, sentencing is explored in its wider criminal justice context, making it essential reading for courses on sentencing, criminal justice, and criminal law.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of sentencing on individuals and society. The authors argue that sentencing should be fair, proportionate, and effective in reducing crime and promoting public safety. They highlight the importance of sentencing guidelines in achieving these goals and discuss the challenges of implementing and enforcing sentencing guidelines.

The book also examines the role of judges in sentencing, including their discretionary powers and the need for transparency and accountability in the sentencing process. It discusses the use of sentencing alternatives, such as community service, probation, and drug treatment programs, and the effectiveness of these alternatives in reducing recidivism.

In addition to its theoretical analysis, the book provides practical guidance on sentencing. It includes case studies and examples of sentencing decisions, as well as commentary on recent developments in sentencing law and practice. The book also includes a glossary of legal terms and a bibliography of relevant resources.

Overall, this revised and updated new edition of the book is essential reading for anyone interested in sentencing law, practice, and theory. It provides a comprehensive overview of the sentencing landscape in England and Wales and highlights the need for a more equitable and fair sentencing system.

Weight: 916g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509936281
Edition number: 7 ed