1.3.9 factors considered by judges in sentencing

• sanctions nees to be proportionate and appropriate to the offending
• sentencing factors judges will take into account

  • current snetencing practises
  • the maximum penally for the offence
  • personal circumstances of victims
  • aggravating factors
  • mitigating factors
• aggravating factors are factors that increase the seriousness of the offence and the offenders culpability
• mitigaitng factors are factors that reduce the seirousness of an offence, or the offernders culpability
• victim impact statements can persuade the court to increase offenders sentence if they signifcantly suffered.
• early guilty plea

  • if an offender has pleaded guilty it might lessen their sentence
  • the earlier the plea the more likely it is to decrease sentence because it is saving time and resources