sqe2 Flashcards
phrases for different levels of culpability and harm
should be saying ‘lesser culpability’ (instead of eg ‘culpability C’)
harm should be ‘category 2’ etc
do cps advocate for a sentence?
the CPS does not advocate for a specific sentence, but its solicitors are available to assist the judge on the sentencing guidelines if requested to do so.
how to layout sentencing guidelines culpability / harm in internal letter/memo thing
(see CMA unit 3 engage)
Culpability
Lesser culpability: no weapon used and assault was impulsive/ spontaneous and short lived.
Harm
The injuries caused Kelly were severe (EXPLAIN FACTS AND GUIDELINES)
Comparing these against the guidelines this would be Category 3: namely, all other cases of really serious harm.
(IN BOLD)
Starting point: 26 weeks custody
Range: Medium level community order – 1 year’s custody
see cma unit 3 engage task really helpful esp feedback
when could u have anonymity in criminal case
special reasons check
generally what can media report on criminal case
offender’s name, address, the offences, and the sentence that was imposed
R v Hanson - re propensity - explain when relevant and what it says?
(imp when have to concede that current offence is same category as previous offences)
CPS / propensity commit offences of KIND charged.
Does propensity make it more likely that D committed offence?
- unlikely if years ago
- unlikely if no dispute on facts
- unlikely if facts really different
Is it just to rely on previous convictions, given overriding principle that proceedings must be fair?
Fewer offences, less likely propensity.
Examples of when will be more prejudicial than probative
CPS got poor evidence/turned life around/eg one of convictions 14/more serious offences, eg prev conviction GBH and this is for ABH - will blind the jury
how to briefly explain step 1 sentencing guidelines
(ie explaining seriousness / culpability / harm)
(nb would do this even to supervisor in CMA)
The first step for the court is to determine the offence category, based on the seriousness of the offence(s). They will establish the severity by looking at culpability and harm. Culpability means the blameworthiness of the defendant, whilst harm looks at the impact on the victim and community at large. The sentencing guidelines contain a list of criteria to help determine whether the culpability if high (A), medium (B) or low (C). There is also a list of factors to determine whether the harm caused was high (1), medium (2) or low (3). This is used to provide a starting point sentence and a range of possible sentences for each combination.
Then, even if totality principle applies, deal with stage 1 for each individually.
how to apply totality principle when sentencing
do the starting point and range for each offence
then aggravating and mitigating.
guilty plea?
assisting police
etc
and then totality principle
explaining totality principle for SQE2
overall sentence should reflect the seriousness of the overall offending behaviour, considering aggravating and mitigating factors, and be just and proportionate
explaining plea in mitigation
we will put forward arguments to persuade the court to impose the most lenient sentence possible by minimising any aggravating factors and highlighting mitigating factor. we will try to persuade the court [not to impose a custodial sentence but to suspend it or impose a community order].
the starting point for the plea in mitigation will be to identify the likely sentence. we can then explain circumstances, namely xyz. minimise [aggravating factor] by saying.
Can bullet point personal mitigation etc.
Could remind court of purposes of sentencing.
(e.g. no history of offending - unlikely prevent. due to personal circumstances - no need protect.
(remember up to u how structure!)
5 purposes of sentencing
- reform and rehabilitation
- punishment
- reduction in crime
- reparation by offender to victim
- protection of public
suspended sentence general note which helps it makes sense fyi
If that happens, we may be able to persuade the court that a suspended custodial sentence would be appropriate. For XYZ, this would mean that he would not actually be in custody, provided that he did not break the conditions imposed by the court during a particular period (‘the operational period’). This would clearly be a better outcome for Dylan. The court will impose a suspended sentence if it considers that there are particular circumstances which justify this: here we would point to the fact that Dylan is the sole carer for his elderly and infirm parents and that both of his brothers live far away.
Compensation orders - when more likely to make
if employed, more likely to make
Certain offences eg significant injuries suffered
Written statement at police interview - what should it include?
No fixed structure
Usually:
- start name of client
- end client signing/dating
About contents, so:
- look out for client’s likely defence
- answer specific Qs likely to ask
- avoid adv infs
e.g. address client significant statement before arrest
(might receive client’s instructions, police witness statement or disclosure statement)
