The Justice Committee inquiry on public opinion and understanding of sentencing

Clinks provided a response to the Justice Committee inquiry on public opinion and understanding of sentencing. Clinks has responded to the questions relevant to our areas of work. This response is informed by consultation with the voluntary sector working in criminal justice in England and Wales as well as our experience of supporting the voluntary sector working in prisons and the community, and those delivering resettlement support.

Some key points within the response are: 

1. There is a lack of public understanding of the long-term implications of sentencing and criminal records disclosure.
2. At present, sentencing policy is uneven, resulting in disparities between groups such as women, racially minoritised people, young adults, and people with multiple disadvantage.
3. It is imperative that government inform the public of the reality of effective sentencing by adopting the expertise and research of the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system.
4. Evidence-based sentencing policy will lead to better public understanding and confidence in sentencing.
5. Clinks recommends sentencing policy be evidence-based and developed in consultation with the voluntary sector working in criminal justice and people with lived experience.