NCJ Number
140797
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper briefly describes available community-based sentences in Great Britain.
Abstract
British law provides for absolute and conditional discharges. If a court, having found an offender guilty of an offense, considers that no further action is necessary, an absolute discharge may be given. Under a conditional discharge, if an additional offense is committed within a specified period, the offender may be sentenced for the original offense. In a "binding over" the offender forfeits a sum of money if he/she violates conditions of good behavior during a specified period. The fine is the most widely used penalty; when imposing a fine, courts are required to take into account the offender's means. The court can also order an offender to pay compensation or restitution to address any personal injury, loss, or damage that has resulted from the offense. Confiscation orders provide that an offender who has benefited financially or materially from an offense may have such benefits confiscated or forfeited. An offender under 21 years old can be given an attendance center order. Activities at attendance centers usually include physical education, craftwork, and instruction in such topics as first aid, lifesaving, road safety, and auto mechanics. Other community-based sentences are probation, supervision, community-service orders, care orders, and deferment of sentence. 3 references