what is a sentence? Flashcards
what is a sentence?
A sentence is the punishment a judge or magistrate decides should be given to someone who has been convicted of a crime. It comes at the end of a prosecution.
what is the process towards a sentence?
After a crime occurs, and the police arrest and charge someone, the Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to take them to court. If they are prosecuted and either plead guilty or are found guilty by magistrates, or for more serious offences, in a Crown Court by a jury of members of the public, they are then sentenced.
how is a sentence considered/ imposed?
The judge or magistrates look at the facts of the case and decides what the most appropriate sentence would be, based on the harm done to the victim and how blameworthy the offender is.
The sentence imposed on an offender should reflect the crime they have committed and be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. It is up to the judge or magistrates to decide how much weight to give each factor in the case they are dealing with.
what us the act the purposes of punishment is set out in?
S142 Criminal Justice Act (2003)
what are the 6 aims of punishment?
Retribution
Rehabilitation
Deterrence — including individual and general
Public protection
Reparation
Denunciation
