Academics and experts to give evidence on community sentences
Monday 12 June 2023
Tomorrow the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee will be speaking to academics and experts as part of its inquiry into community sentences. The session will focus on equivalent sentences in other jurisdictions: Ireland, New York State, and Scotland.
Giving evidence will be:
- Courtney Bryan, Executive Director, Center for Justice Innovation, New York
- Dr Hannah Graham, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Stirling
- Dr Eoin Guilfoyle, Lecturer in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, Brunel University London
Possible questions include:
- 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?
The sessions can be followed live on Tuesday 13 June from 10:30am on Parliament TV.
