The Origins and Nature of the Sentencing Guidelines in England and Wales

Abstract

This introductory chapter sets the stage for the rest of the volume. It begins by describing the Origins and Nature of the Sentencing Guidelines in England and Wales, from the early days involving the Sentencing Advisory Panel through to the latest reforms involving the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Today, courts are required to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines unless it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.The chapter notes that this volume addresses a number of important issues and the essays offer a range of conclusions and insights with respect to the guidelines. Although the principal focus is upon the English guidelines, the essays contain lessons for other jurisdictions, several of which are contemplating the introduction of guideline schemes.