The Sentencing Act 2020 Simplified - Adult & Youth Sentencing Explained

Introduction

The Sentencing Act 2020, sometimes referred to as the Sentencing Code, is one of the most significant reforms in criminal law, yet its complexity continues to challenge even experienced practitioners.

Over the past five years, there have been many Court of Appeal decisions in which corrections have had to be made because the lawyers dealing with the case did not fully understand the Code. With some 420 Sections and 29 Schedules, this highlights just how essential it is to grasp the Code fully.

This virtual classroom seminar will be of great benefit to anyone involved, in whatever capacity, in criminal proceedings but is particularly aimed at prosecutors, defence lawyers, and those responsible for advising the justices’ in the Magistrates’ Court.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• The circumstances in which youths may be committed for sentence and the sentence of Detention that may be passed upon them at the Crown Court under Section 250
• The definition of a ‘Serious Offence’ under section 249
• Remission of both Youths and Adults from one Court to another under Sections 25-29
• Committals for sentence from both the Youth Court and the Adult Court to the Crown Court for sentence under sections 14-24 (we shall look at the mistakes that occur in this area and why they occur)
• The types of custodial sentence that may be imposed (The Court of Appeal frequently have to correct the sentence because the wrong type of custodial sentence had been imposed)
• The mandatory consideration of a minimum term sentence and the amended test, albeit the Court may not actually decide to impose the minimum term
• The somewhat limited powers available to the Magistrates’ in the Adult Magistrates’ Court when sentencing a Child or Young Offender
• The Youth Rehabilitation Order and the differences between this Order and the Adult Community Order
• The things you need to know about Compensation Orders
• Dangerous Offenders - the approach to be taken in the Magistrates’ Court and the sentences available at the Crown Court
• The sentencing considerations relating to ‘offenders of particular concern’ (if you have never heard of the term, you are not alone - Court of Appeal having to amend unlawful sentences)
• The suspension of a sentence

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.