TYPES OF SENTENCES

• 4 main types that can be imposed on an adult offender:

  • custodial
  • community orders
  • fines
  • discharges
• A custodial sentence is the most serious punishment that a court can impose. Custodial sentences for adults can range from short periods in custody to life imprisonment (25 yrs)
• The different custodial sentences are:

  • Mandatory life sentences - murder
  • Discretionary life sentences - reviewed every 5 yrs - manslaughter, kidnapping
  • Fixed term sentences - terrorism
  • Suspended sentences - could be due to overcrowded prisons - petty crimes
• Mandatory life sentences - After imposing a life sentence, a judge must set a minimum term which the offender has to serve before being eligible for release on license (for serious offences where the offender is so dangerous, a whole life order is given)