NCJ Number
135640
Journal
International Journal of Public Administration Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 161-181
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The Computer-Assisted Sentencing (CASE) system was developed to help English and Welsh magistrates choose an appropriate sentence to impose on a convicted offender. The choices include fine, probation, discharge, supervision order, community service order, attendance center order, detention center order, youth custody, and adult custodial sentence.
Abstract
The purpose of the CASE system is to make sentencing more consistent by adopting a structured, rational approach. Several important influences on sentencing were identified: statute, Court of Appeal decisions, Home Office guidance, and other miscellaneous factors including justices' clerks, probation officers, the Magistrates' Association, fellow magistrates, the press, and public opinion. The computer model consists of four stages: statutory rules and Home Office guidance, a statistical model which rates possible sentences on the basis of past performance, an examination of the scale of penalties, and the selection of disposition. At this stage, the computer program is only applicable to theft and burglary offenses and deals only with single offenders. The system takes account of the desirability of discretion in the sentencing decision; use of this system will enable an objective appraisal of the sentencing process and its effectiveness. 9 figures and 26 references