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28 May 2020 / Monica Stevenson
Issue: 7888 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , Criminal
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Happy anniversary?

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Monica Stevenson assesses the role of the Sentencing Council, a decade down the line
  • The Sentencing Council’s portfolio: proposed and existing guidelines.
  • Sentencing guidelines: transparency and consistency.
  • The Law Commission’s proposal for a Sentencing Code.

It remains to be seen what the economic fallout from COVID-19 spells for the state of the criminal justice system. Those working in criminal law could not have anticipated the way in which already limited funding might come to be further depleted.

The different elements which work to deliver criminal justice require political attention and money. The crucial assignment of sentencing criminal offenders is no exception. This month marks the ten-year anniversary of the Sentencing Council. A statutory body set up to promote greater transparency and consistency in sentencing decisions, it also has a statutory duty to carry out analysis and research into sentencing.

To mark the first decade of its work, the Council has announced plans to hold a public consultation on ideas for future projects and work. Any such mandate will of course be subject to the limitations of the Councils’ budget, which

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hogan Lovells—Lisa Quelch

Hogan Lovells—Lisa Quelch

Partner hire strengthens global infrastructure and energy financing practice

Sherrards—Jan Kunstyr

Sherrards—Jan Kunstyr

Legal director bolsters international expertise in dispute resolution team

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Corporate governance and company law specialist joins the team

NEWS

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HERBERT SMITH STAFF PENSION SCHEME (THE “SCHEME”)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND BENEFICIARIES UNDER SECTION 27 OF THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925
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