factors in sentencing

• what is an aggravating factor?

  A factor that increases the severity of the crime
• What is a mitigating factor?

  A mitigating factor is a circumstance or evidence that can reduce the severity of a crime.
• what are the main factors in a sentencing?

  Pre-sentence reports

  Medical reports

  Sentencing guidelines

  Reduction in sentence

  Offender's background

  Past convictions
• What responsibilities does sentencing council have?

  Developing sentencing guidelines

  Assessing the impacts of their sentencing guidelines

  promoting awareness to the public about the reality of sentencing

  Publishing sentencing information in the magistrate and crown court
• What are examples of aggravating factors?

  Previous convictiond

  Bail status

  If there was any sort of racial or religious hostility

  If there was any hostility to disability or sexual orientation

  If the offence was premeditated

  If the offence had intent
• What specific factors on the case would the judge or magistrate want to know (Aggravating factors continued) ?

  Criminal history, severity of harm caused, premeditation, use of a weapon, and vulnerability of the victim, if the offender was in a position of trust and abused it, if there were several offenders
• What are examples of mitigating factors?

  A lack of previous convictions

  Showing genuine remorse

  Taking a minor part in the offence

  Mental illness/disability

  Pleading guilty
• what would happen if the offender pleads guilty at the earliest opportunity?

  The sentence would be reduced up to one third
• what would happen if the offender plead guilty after the trial had began?

  The sentencing would be reduceed by 10 %
• what are the mental illnesses that the sentencing council has decided to set new guidelines for?

  Schizophrenia

  Depression

  PTSD

  Developmental issues such that of autism

  neurological impairments eg dementia
• What are the types of sentences for adult offenders?

  Custodial

  Community

  Fines

  Discharges