In Focus
The use and effectiveness of short prison sentences of under 12 months has been debated in recent years. This article discusses calls for reform of short prison sentences, in addition to the Government’s commitments in this area. Short prison sentences are due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 29 June 2020.
Research Briefing
This Law Commission bill seeks to consolidate existing sentencing legislation into a single sentencing statute. The Sentencing Bill is a consolidation bill that will introduce the sentencing code. The aim of the code is to provide a clear and comprehensive source of sentencing procedure legislation for the public, the judiciary and practitioners.
In Focus
In December 2019, the High Court published a ruling concerning the Post Office’s Horizon electronic accounting system. This article outlines the dispute between sub-postmasters and the Post Office over the operation of this system. It also summarises calls for the Government to establish a public enquiry.
In Focus
Following recent terrorist attacks in the UK, discussion has increased about deradicalisation programmes in UK prisons. This article discusses what deradicalisation programmes are, the effectiveness of the programmes, and the Government’s recent commitments to tackle terrorism.
Research Briefing
There has been concern over what Beijing’s decision to implement a national security law in Hong Kong could mean for freedoms in the territory.
Research Briefing
Royal commissions have fallen out of use over recent decades, but they could be set to make a return. The Conservative manifesto of 2019 promised to set up a royal commission on the criminal justice system. This briefing looks at the background to royal commissions.
In Focus
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on prisons and offenders. This article looks at why this population are more at risk from the outbreak, what the current situation is in England and Wales, and what the Government have announced to help support prisons and offenders during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research Briefing
The Government has proposed setting up a constitution, democracy and rights commission to consider broad aspects of the UK’s constitution. This would look at issues including the relationship between the government, parliament, and the courts; the functioning of the royal prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice.
Research Briefing
The UK Government has recognised that it is “imperative” that support is given to people on low incomes to access justice. However successive governments, parliamentary committees and stakeholders have identified barriers to vulnerable people accessing the necessary advice and legal services.
Research Briefing
This bill would legally require the Parole Board to consider offenders’ failure to disclose either the location of victims’ remains or the identity of child victims in indecent images when assessing whether that offender should be released from prison.
Research Briefing
This proposed law has two main functions: implementing three international agreements; and setting out a way in which future agreements can be implemented.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming debate to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what assessment they have made of the findings of the Checkpoint programme, run by Durham Constabulary, to reduce reoffending rates and custodial sentences” on 27 February 2020.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading and remaining stages of the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill scheduled to take place in the House of Lords on 24 February 2020.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming debate to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what assessment they have made of the impact of India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, passed on 11 December 2019, on UK citizens, and what representations they have made, if any, to the government of India as a result”.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading on the Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Bill [HL] of session 2019-21 on 11 February 2020.
Total results (page 9 of 18)