Terms of reference
The Attorney General requested the Council to undertake its review of suspended sentences in line with the following terms of reference:
- An analysis of whether the use of suspended sentences has had any direct effect on the use of other sentencing options, including custodial and non-custodial options.
- An examination of the extent to which the imposition of suspended sentences has exposed persons to the risk of imprisonment who would not otherwise have been sentenced to imprisonment.
- An analysis of the primary reasons behind judicial decisions to impose suspended sentences in preference to other sentencing options, including: a) judicial attitudes to alternative sentences; b) availability of other options; and c) increased maximum penalties.
- The identification of current community attitudes and expectations in relation to the use of suspended sentences.
- An examination of whether the issues identified in relation to the above matters require reform.
- An exploration of any options for reform.
- Any other relevant matter.