Dealing With criminals Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the five purposes of sentencing
- Punishment
- Deterrence
- Rehabilitation
- Protection for the community
- Reparations by the offender
What is punishment
A penalty or sanction given for any crime or offence
What is deterrence
Aims to reduce crime levels as a result of those considering a criminal act not carrying out that act due to the nature of the sentence they will receive
What is rehabilitation
Seeking to change the behaviour of the offender through treatment programmes, education programmes, CBT
What are reparations
When an offender has to pay/give back to the community for the damage that was caused, making amends eg apology, finance, community service
What is a life sentence
Must be given to those found guilty of murder.
Judge sets minimum term before the parole board can consider release.
What is an extended sentence
Person can be released on license for up to eight years
What is a determinate sentence
Fixed term in prison, early release on licence depends upon behaviour
What are suspended sentences
Sentences up to two years but carries out a court order such as unpaid work or received treatment for drugs of alcohol to avoid serving time in prison
Purpose of community service
Punish
Help them to stay out of trouble
Examples of ancillary orders
Drink banning order
Restraining order
What is discharge
Used for the least serious offences where going to court is punishment enough. Offender must stay out of trouble
What are mitigating factors
Any component of a crime or the offenders past, circumstances or conducts that may lower the guilt or punishment the incur eg mental conditions, coercion, age, substance abuse
What are aggravating factors
Any circumstance related to a crime that somehow makes the crime itself worse eg the particular type of victim, tool, motivation
What’s the average reoffending rate
Around 25%
What are the three aspects of the youth justice system
The youth justice board
The youth offending teams
Youth courts
What is the youth justice board (YJB)
- Gov body that works closely with YOTs
- Oversees & supports performance of the youth justice system regarding its main aim (which is to prevent children and young people from offending)
- Responsible for finding secure accommodation for young people who have been sentenced or remanded by the courts.
- guides and monitors locally managed YOT partnerships
What are youth offending teams (YOTs)
- Partnership of organisations including the police, with a legal responsibility to prevent offending and reduce reoffending.
- Involve community volunteers in their work and help to develop skills to engage with young people.
made up of, possible sentences
What are youth courts?
Made up of three magistrates or a district judge.
No jury.
A parent or guardian of the accused must attend for under 16s.
Court can give a range of community sentences or detention and training orders which are served in a secure centre for young people.
diff between custodial and non custodial sentences (the 2 types of sentencing)
prison (life, extended, suspended, determinate)
not involving imprisonment (ancillary orders, community service, fines, discharge)
What happens if the youth court finds them guilty
the magistrates will decide in the most appropriate sentence.
In very serious cases the youth court will send the case to the crown court for a trial and or sentence.
