UK government plans to raise magistrates' sentencing powers to address prison overcrowding.
The UK government is contemplating raising magistrates' sentencing powers from six months to one year to expedite trials and alleviate prison overcrowding, where about 17,000 prisoners are currently on remand. Critics, including Mary Prior KC of the Criminal Bar Association, argue this could worsen the crisis by increasing sentenced prisoners. The government previously attempted a similar measure in 2022, which was reversed. Recent early releases of 1,700 inmates have been implemented to address the issue.
September 15, 2024
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