What is the new UK law for criminals? Will they have to face longer jail time?
Criminals in England and Wales may soon find themselves with a critical decision to make: attend their sentencing hearings or face the consequence of an extended stay behind bars. The British government has revealed plans to implement a law that mandates criminals to be present in court during the pronouncement of their sentences. This initiative is aimed at reinforcing the importance of justice delivery and accountability within the judicial system.
Government Initiative to Enhance Accountability
In a bid to underscore the significance of attending one's own sentencing, the UK government has announced a proposal to grant judges the authority to enforce this requirement. If an offender fails to comply with the directive to appear in court during the sentencing hearing, they could potentially face an additional two years of incarceration. This move, disclosed on Wednesday, echoes the government's commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that victims and their families witness the consequences of criminal acts being meted out.
Ensuring Presence Through «Reasonable Force»
While this reform ensures that offenders face the repercussions of their actions, it also empowers custody officers to employ «reasonable force» if necessary to ensure the presence of the accused in court. This endeavor intends to provide victims and their families with the assurance that justice is being duly delivered.
The decision to employ such measures, however, rests with the judges, while the determination of the appropriateness and proportionality of using force remains the prerogative of prison staff and custody officers.
From Idea to Reality: A Response to Prior Incidents
The notion of compelling criminals to attend their
