Criminal Court powers and sentencing

Question 1

What does sentencing mean?

Answer 1

Any punishment given to an offender who has been convicted.

Question 2

Who is an adult offender?

Answer 2

Anyone aged 21 or older who has been convicted of an offence.

Question 3

What are the four main types of adult sentences?

Answer 3

Imprisonment
Community sentences
Fines
Discharge

Question 4

Imprisonment

Answer 4

So serious that no other sentence would suffice. Half time in prison the other half on license in community

Question 5

Community sentences

Answer 5

Offenders carry out between 40 and 300 hours of demanding work in community, or seek treatment for issues like drug addiction

Question 6

Fines

Answer 6

For less serious offences, and the most common sentence. Amount depends on severity

Question 7

Discharges

Answer 7

Court feels that simply being brought in front of a judge or magistrate is enough punishment. Can be given conditions, e.g. stay out of trouble, if offender commit another crime then first crime is taken into account.