Sentencing Academy CEO Vacancy
The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. Following successful funding we are excited to announce a new opportunity for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal brand new […]
Sentencing the Rioters
With the first offenders involved in the recent riots across England being sentenced to immediate custodial sentences, courts have now begun to develop the sentencing response to the disturbances. Sentences of up to three years’ imprisonment have already been imposed and we would expect many more similarly substantial custodial sentences as those involved come before […]
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods) Order 2024
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods) Order 2024 will be debated in the House of Commons on Thursday. This draft Statutory Instrument (SI) proposes a reduction in the proportion of most Standard Determinate Sentences (SDS) to be served in custody from 50% to 40%. The accompanying Impact Assessment paints an alarming […]
Coercive Control as Mitigation at Sentencing
By Professor Vanessa Bettinson Read the full paper here: Coercive Control as Mitigation at Sentencing Executive Summary: • Coercive control is a recognised form of domestic abuse under section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and it is a criminal offence to engage in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship […]
Sentencing Data and Policy online event
Unfortunately, due to the upcoming General Election, the originally-planned event on 25 June 2024, outlined below, has had to be postponed. An alternative online-only data and policy event will now take place on the same date, and this will provide a comparative perspective between the United States and the United Kingdom. One confirmed speaker is […]
The Techno-Judiciary: Sentencing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
By Harry Grindle In the era of artificial-intelligence (AI), algorithmic technologies are everywhere. AI’s emergence into the field of law has been rapid and there is no doubt that machine learning algorithms have begun to influence sentencing decisions in England and Wales. Computer assisted sentencing is already in the courtroom, offering informational aids to assist […]
Sentencing for Murder: A Review of Policy and Practice
By Dr Richard Martin Read the full paper here: Sentencing for Murder – A Review of Policy and Practice Executive Summary: • The only sentence a court can pass for murder is life imprisonment. The mandatory life sentence is comprised of three elements: the minimum term spent in prison (handed down by the sentencing court); […]
Kalisher Trust internship paper
We are pleased to publish the paper produced by Lewis Hazeldine during the course of his Kalisher Trust internship with the Sentencing Academy. Lewis chose to explore some of the issues that can arise in relation to Extended Determinate Sentences. Lewis’s paper, Extended Determinate Sentences: A Review of the Practical Issues, is available here.
Seeing and Treating Neurodiverse Individuals in the Criminal Justice System
Gavin Dingwall, Head of Policy and Communications, represented the Sentencing Academy in a panel discussion with Professor Penney Lewis, the Law Commissioner, and Lauren Costello, Deputy Chief Prosecutor in the Northeast of England, at an international symposium on ‘Seeing and Treating Neurodiverse Individuals in the Criminal Justice System’ held on 14 March and hosted by […]
Mental Health and Sentencing Seminar
The Sentencing Academy was pleased to collaborate with the University of York to hold a ‘Mental Health and Sentencing’ event on 6 March 2024. Addressing the theme of the day, there were three speakers covering different areas of the mental health and sentencing field, followed by an insight Q&A session chaired by Professor Adam Crawford, […]
Finance and Operations Administrator Recruitment
The Sentencing Academy is a research and engagement charitable organisation dedicated to developing understanding of sentencing in England and Wales and informing public debate. It promotes an evidence-based approach to sentencing and encourages effective sentencing practices that reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims, and promote public confidence. In line with our development plans and funding […]
How distinctive is Scotland’s new approach to sentencing guidelines?
By Dr Jay Gormley and Professor Julian V. Roberts The new causing death by driving offences guideline is the first offence-specific guidance issued by the Scottish Sentencing Council. It is certainly a distinctive moment for the UK jurisdiction, which has its own unique criminal justice system and legal and cultural history. But how unique […]
