Sentencing reform success dependent on investment across the criminal justice system

News:

The recommendations of the Independent Sentencing Review, led by David Gauke, have been set out* (22 May).

Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said: “The Sentencing Review is correct to focus on alternatives to the use of custody, which is an expensive and often counterproductive form of punishment, particularly given the chronic shortage of prison spaces.

“We echo David Gauke’s call for the government to act with bravery given the scale of the crisis. It is a positive shift away from an approach which has focused primarily on punishment without evidence that it better protects victims or reduces reoffending.

“Increased investment in probation and other alternatives that can provide rehabilitation and reduce offending is beneficial to the public.

“However, to ensure the public can have faith in the criminal justice system, there must be investment in all parts of the system which are interconnected.

“For example, where the government sets conditions for prisoners to earn the right to release, the courses they are required to complete for that release must be available. The reality is that they so often aren’t. This central measure could result in an increased prison population, rather than a reduced one, unless properly resourced.

“We are pleased to see the recommendations take our views into account including ensuring custodial sentences under 12 months are only used in exceptional circumstances.”