Sentencing – Sentencing Council
WEBSep 11, 2024 · The Sentencing Council produces guidelines on sentencing for the judiciary and criminal justice professionals, and promotes greater consistency and public understanding of sentencing. Find out about the latest guidelines, consultations, research and news on the Council's website.
About sentencing guidelines – Sentencing
WEBLearn how sentencing guidelines help judges and magistrates take a consistent approach to sentencing for different offences. Find out the types, purposes and sources of sentencing guidelines, and how they can be used with discretion.
Sentencing hearings – Sentencing
WEBLearn what happens at a sentencing hearing in the criminal courts of England and Wales, how sentencing guidelines help judges and magistrates reach a fair sentence, and how to watch live sentencing remarks. Find out the types of sentence the court can impose and the rules covering guilty pleas.
Sentencing basics – Sentencing
WEBLearn what a sentence is and what it aims to achieve when dealing with adult offenders. Find out the five purposes of sentencing, such as punishing, reducing crime, reforming and rehabilitating offenders, and protecting the public.
Common offences – Sentencing
WEBFind out the sentencing guidelines for various offences in the magistrates and crown courts in England and Wales. Browse the outlines by offence type, such as shoplifting, speeding, assault, or benefit fraud.
How sentencing works – Sentencing
WEBLearn about the process of sentencing offenders in England and Wales, from the decision to prosecute to the types of sentences and factors considered by judges and magistrates. Find out how the Sentencing Council provides guidance and supports consistent and fair sentencing outcomes.
Assault – Sentencing
WEBFind out the definitive and revised guidelines for sentencing assault offences in England and Wales, including common assault, GBH, attempted murder and assault on emergency workers. Learn about the consultation process, related documents and the Council's role in developing and issuing the guidelines.
Research and resources – Sentencing
WEBThe Council has a dedicated team who undertake research and analysis to support the production and evaluation of guidelines and build on the Council’s expert knowledge and understanding of criminal sentencing in England and Wales. On these pages you will find information about the research and ...
Arson and criminal damage – Sentencing
WEBThe guidelines define arson with intent to endanger life as criminal damage by fire with the intention of causing serious injury or death to another person. They also cover other offences related to arson and criminal damage, such as reckless arson and racially aggravated damage.
Types of sentence – Sentencing
WEBLearn about the four main types of sentence that a judge or magistrates can pass in England and Wales: discharge, fine, community sentence and custodial sentence. Find out how sentences are decided by referring to sentencing guidelines and the law.