Articles


Sentencing Reform: Policy, Legislation and Implementation

Published 11/12/2002
Type Article
Author(s) David Faulkner
Corresponding Authors David Faulkner, University of Oxford Centre for Criminological Research
DOA
DOI

This article reviews the arguments for reforms in sentencing, as reflected in the Halliday Report (Halliday, 2001) and the White Paper Justice for All (Home Office, 2002a); considers some of the specific proposals which emerged from that Review and those which are contained in the White Paper; and examines the ways in which sentencing practice has developed over the last 10 years and the situation which that development has produced. It reflects on some of the principles involved, and the consequences to which the proposals might lead. It considers the mechanisms for putting those proposals into effect, with particular reference to the role, scope and authority of the proposed Sentencing Guidelines Council. Finally it offers some thoughts on the implications for community justice, and on the importance of community justice in the situation which seems likely to be their result.