A.C 2.3 Flashcards
what is the aim of sentencing?
punishment of offenders
crime reduction
rehabilitation of offenders
protection of the public
reparation to the victims
what are life sentences?
- most serious punishment in the UK
- mandatory (compulsory) life sentences must be given to those found guilty of murder.
What are indeterminate life sentences?
these set a minimum time the offender must serve in prison. Offenders have no automatic right to be released once the minimum time has been met. instead the parole board will decide.
What are determinate sentences?
These are sentences with one fixed length. most prisoners will serve this kind of sentence
- if the sentence is 12 months or more the offender spends the first half in prison and the second half in the community.
What are suspended sentences?
the offender is given a prison sentence but does not go directly to prison. sentences can be suspended for up to 2 years. The court may also impose requirements such as probation or drug addiction treatment.
does imprisonment meet it’s aims?
retribution- punishes but it can be subjective
deterrence- risk of being sent to prison deters offenders but recidivism rates argue otherwise.
public protection- takes offenders off the streets
reparation- does not meet it
rehabilitation- programmes
what are community sentences?
imposed for sentences too serious for a discharge/fine or not so serious that a prison sentence that a prison sentence is necessary.
Do community sentences meet their punishment aims?
retribution- offender suffers limits on their freedom
reparation- repaid work to repair the damage caused to a victim’s property
public protection- yes
rehabilitation- integrates them back to society
What are fines?
fines are financial penalties for offending. they are usually given for less serious offences and are often used by magistrates courts.
do fines meet the aims of punishments?
retribution- suffer for harm by making them loose money
deterrence- makes them reluctant to offend.
What are discharges?
when the court finds someone guilty of a minor offence but decides not to hand down a criminal conviction, they will be given a discharge.
conditional- not punished unless they commit a second offence
absolute- no penalty is imposed.
Do discharges meet their punishment aims?
basic aim is deterrence, low rate of reoffending that follows especially if it was a first offence
