AC 2.3

Question 1

Community Sentences

Answer 1

Imposed for offences which are too serious for a discharge or fine but not so serious prison is necessary

• community payback (unpaid work 40-300 hours)
• Supervision by probation officer
• Treatment and programmes- addiction + mental health
• Group programmes
• Restrictions such as curfew, tag or residence condition

Question 2

How does community sentences meet its punishment aims?

Answer 2

Retribution
1) Community sentences include an element of punishment- limits freedom
2) Those doing unpaid work have to wear high vis vests
Reparation
1) Includes doing unpaid work to repair damage to a person’s property
2) Can include whole community reparation through unpaid work
Public Protection
1) Met through the use of community sentences- not locked up- breach can lead to prison
Rehabilitation
1) Some offenders have complex needs such as homelessness, drug misuse, mental health issues. Community sentences aim to reform offenders by addressing these needs.
2) Studies have shown community sentences is more effective at reforming and reducing reoffending rates. A study by the MOJ found 34% reoffending within 12 months of starting a community sentence compared to 64% in prisons
3) Decline from 2007-2020 the protection of those who received a community sentence fell from 14-7%

Question 3

Fines

Answer 3

Given for less serious offences, but even with more serious offences about 15% of those guilty receive a fine
Size depends on various factors:
-The offence itself
-Circumstances of crime
-Offenders ability to pay
-Which court is hearing the case

Question 4

Do fines meet its punishments aims?

Answer 4

Retribution
1) Hitting someone in the pocket- suffer from harm done

Deterrence
1) Make an offender reluctant to re-offend for the fear of further punishment

Failure to pay

1) Without good reason may face prison
2) Courts can also deduct fines from offenders benefits or send bailiffs
3) In 2019 unpaid fines had reached up to £623m- uncollectable