Derecho de sentencias
Directrices de sentencia, penas custodiales y comunitarias, factores agravantes y atenuantes.
Introducción
El derecho de sentencias establece las penas que los tribunales pueden imponer tras una condena penal.
Principios fundamentales
Purposes of Sentencing — Punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, public protection, and reparation (s.57 SA 2020).
Sentencing Guidelines — Courts must follow Sentencing Council guidelines unless contrary to the interests of justice.
Custody Threshold — Custody only if the offence is so serious that neither a fine nor community sentence is justified.
Guilty Plea Reduction — Up to one-third for a guilty plea at the first reasonable opportunity.
Aggravating Factors — Previous convictions, offending on bail, hostility based on protected characteristics.
Mandatory Life Sentence — For murder, the judge sets the minimum term.
Leyes clave
Sentencing Act 2020
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
Escenarios comunes
First-time offender pleads guilty to ABH
Sentencing Council guideline sets starting point by harm and culpability. Up to one-third reduction for early plea. Likely community order or suspended sentence.