Justice - Fifth Report
Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 8 July 2008.
Contents
Terms of Reference
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Background
The development of sentencing policy
Making Punishments Work: The Halliday Review
Criminal Justice Act 2003
Change and trends in the prison population
The proliferation of legislation
The Government's response: The Carter Review
Primary findings of the Carter Review
Key recommendations in the Carter Review
Reducing short-term demand
Changing demand in the long-term
3 Imprisonment for Public Protection
sentences and the pressure on the Parole Board
How Imprisonment for Public Protection
sentences work
Risk based sentencing in England and Wales
Criticism of the Imprisonment for Public
Protection sentence system
Short tariffs and the impact on prison system
Targeting the right offenders and judicial
discretion
Government proposals to address structural
problems with Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences
Improving risk assessment and sentencing
information
Lack of adequate forecasting, planning and
resourcing
The role and powers of the Parole Board
Transfer of judicial functions from the original
sentencer to the Board
4 Short custodial sentences
Short custodial sentences and the prison
population
The Characteristics of Short Custodial Sentences
The aims and effects of short custodial sentences
Why are short custodial sentences used?
Options for change
5 Non-custodial responses to offending
The experience of Community Sentence and
Suspended Sentence Orders
Towards effective non-custodial sentences?
Resources and the provision of services
Adequate provision at the local level
Improving public confidence
6 Back-door sentencing
Recalls and the prison population
Breach of Community Sentences
7 Vulnerable People
Women
Background
Is sentencing and subsequent provision for
women offenders effective?
Mental health
Background
Government approach
Is sentencing and subsequent provision for
those with mental health problems effective?
Young People
Is sentencing and subsequent provision effective
for vulnerable young offenders?
8 Conclusion
Public Opinion and Sentencing
Annex A—Sentencing Reforms since 2001
Conclusions and recommendations
Formal Minutes
Witnesses (page numbers refer to Vol II)
List of written evidence (page numbers refer
to Vol II)
Reports from the Constitutional Affairs (now
Justice) Committee during the current Parliament
Oral and Written Evidence - HC 184-II
5 June 2007
12 June 2007
26 June 2007
3 July 2007
24 July 2007
12 December 2007
17 December 2007
Written Evidence
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