Sentencing process guideline
The sentencing process guideline sets out an eight-step process for the sentencing of offenders, explaining how courts arrive at sentencing decisions and what may be taken into account, such as the seriousness of the offence and any aggravating or mitigating factors. The Council believes this will help to improve current knowledge and understanding around sentencing.
It had been the Council’s original intention that its guideline on the principles and purposes of sentencing, being of general application, would also include a description of the sentencing process. However, during the development stages we decided it would be more appropriate to prepare these as separate but complementary guidelines.
The Council is currently consulting on this guideline. To take part in the consultation please click here