Lords Committee takes evidence on community sentences
The Justice and Home Affairs Committee is holding its fifth oral evidence session as part of its inquiry on community sentences.
Meeting details
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Community sentences
Senior Lecturer in Criminology at University of Stirling
Lecturer in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at Brunel University London
Executive Director at Center for Justice Innovation
The Justice and Home Affairs Committee continues its inquiry on community sentences in England and Wales. Today, it is hearing evidence about equivalent sentences in other jurisdictions: Ireland, New York State, and Scotland.
Possible questions
- In England and Wales, community sentences are found between fines and custodial sentences in the catalogue of sentencing options. What is the equivalent sentencing option in Ireland, New York State, and Scotland?
- Among the sentencing options available in these jurisdictions, which is considered most effective at reducing reoffending? How effective are community sentences (or their equivalent)?
- How do you address the rehabilitative and treatment needs of low-level, prolific offenders in your respective jurisdictions? How do you create incentives for a voluntary path to desistance?
- What do you view as the most important lesson (or lessons) this Committee should learn from other jurisdictions?
- Compared to other jurisdictions, what is the most noteworthy feature (positive or negative) of community sentences in England and Wales?