Sentencing - Overview Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Sentencing Code?

A

Consolidation of existing sentencing procedure law

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2
Q

What are the types of sentencing?

A

Custodial and non-custodial

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3
Q

What will the court have regard to as per the purpose of sentencing (Adult)?

A
  • Punishment of offender
  • Reduction of crime
  • Reform and rehabilitation of offender
  • Protection of public
  • Making of reparation by offenders to persons affected
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4
Q

What is the maximum a Magistrates’ Court can impose imprisonment for in respect of any one offence?

A

6 months

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5
Q

Tell me which court can sentence a summary only offence?

A

Magistrates’ Court

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6
Q

Tell me which court can sentence an either-way offence?

A

Magistrates and Crown Court

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7
Q

Tell me which court can sentence an indictable only offence?

A

Crown Court

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8
Q

Can a case be sent back to Magistrate’s from the Crown Court?

A

No

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9
Q

What is a Newton Hearing?

A

When a D pleads guilty but disagrees on key facts, court holds a hearing to settle the dispute

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10
Q

Who leads Newton Hearing in Magistrates’ Court?

A

Magistrates or District Judge

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11
Q

Who leads Newton Hearing in Crown Court?

A

The judge – without a jury. So judge decides both law and fact.

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12
Q

What is the process of a Newton Hearing?

A

1) Prosecution presents evidence, calls witness
2) Defence can cross-examine and present own evidence
3) Both sides can give closing speech
4) Judge makes decision

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13
Q

Who is the burden of proof on in the Newton Hearing?

A

The prosecution

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14
Q

What is the standard of proof in Newton Hearings?

A

Prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt

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15
Q

What happens if prosecution fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a Newton Hearing?

A

The Court will accept the Defence’s version of events

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16
Q

What happens to D if the prosecution is able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt?

A

The D can lose some credit for guilty plea – normally halved

17
Q

What is totality?

A

When sentencing multiple offences, court must consider total sentence

18
Q

What are the different types of totality sentences?

A

Consecutive or concurrent

19
Q

What is a consecutive sentence?

A

Served one after another

20
Q

What is a concurrent sentence?

A

Served at same time

21
Q

When is consecutive / concurrent given/?

A

Consecutive if different offences different facts
Concurrent if different offences arising from same facts

22
Q

What is a deferring sentence?

A

Court can defer for up to six months – allowing D time to prove themselves

23
Q

What if a Magistrates defers for six months and then commit to Crown Court?

A

Crown court gets an additional six months

24
Q

What are indications of sentence?

A

Court can indicate a sentence before guilty plea

25
Q

What must Magistrates provide if D asks for indication?

A

Whether or not it is custodial

26
Q

Is Magistrates bound to indication of plea if given to D?

A

Only if D pleads guilty

27
Q

When can D ask for indication of sentence in Crown Court?

A

a) They either accept prosecution facts or written basis plea must be agreed
b) Give clear instructions to their counsel that D wishes to ask for an advance indication of sentence

28
Q

Does the Crown Court need to give indication?

A

No, completely discretionary

29
Q

When can D ask for indication?

A

Before PTPH or at any stage before jury gives verdict