Sentencing Options

Question 1

Mandatory life sentence

Answer 1

• the only life sentence is for murder
• judge can state the minimum number of years in prison before being release on license
• starts from 50 years down to 15 years

Question 2

Discretionary life sentence

Answer 2

• judge decides whether to give a life sentence or not
• for offence like rape, manslaughter, S.18 and robbery

Question 3

Release on license

Answer 3

• if they complete the minimum number of years set by the judge and if they are up for parole they see if they are fit to go out into public

Question 4

Fixed-term sentence

Answer 4

• they are in prison for a certain amount of years or months
• they do not have to complete the whole time, if they have done half of their sentence they are automatically released

Question 5

Suspended sentence

Answer 5

• they only serve the custodial period if they breach the terms of the suspension
• the time in prison is 28-57 weeks

Question 6

Community sentences

Answer 6

the community act 2003 created one act and the court can add any orders they think are necessary.

Question 7

Unpaid work requirement

Answer 7

offender must work 40-300 hours on something organised by the probation service.

Question 8

Curfew requirement

Answer 8

offender must stay in a fixed place for 2-12 hours at any point in the 24 hours. this can happen for 6 months

Question 9

Supervision requirement

Answer 9

offender must be supervised by a probation officer for up to 3 years.

Question 10

Fines

Answer 10

• fines are paid to the crown court
• 70% of the sentences in the Magistrates court is fines

Question 11

Absolute and Conditional Discharge

Answer 11

offenders are either released or released on the condition that if they come before court again both offences will be taken into consideration.

Question 12

Anti-social behaviour order

Answer 12

an ASBO may be given to someone who has acted in an anti-social manner