Sentencing information

Read an overview of how sentencing works in the criminal courts and how they are decided

Find out about the steps courts should follow in order to reach a sentencing decision, including some of the factors that may be taken into account.

There are 10 requirements that can be given as part of a community payback order - the judge must decide which ones to impose

Find out how prison sentences work and what they mean

This provides information on the legislation surrounding sentencing, including maximum levels available in different courts

See the different sentences available, when they can be used, and what they mean

Read about the rights of victims and the services and support available to them across our justice system.

Watch our videos explaining different sentences such as community sentences and prison sentences, and how these sentences are decided. There are also videos for victims, for offenders, for families, and on sentencing young people.

Orders can be imposed as a stand-alone disposal or as part of another disposal.