Second Discussion Document - 'Criminal Sanctions'
The discussion document "Criminal Sanctions" is the second in a series of discussion documents to be published leading to the publication of a White Paper on Crime. The document is available in PDF format or as html from the link below. Hard copies are available on request.
White Paper on Crime Discussion Document No.2 - February 2010
As was the case with the first discussion document ("Crime Prevention and Community Safety") this paper is aimed at the general reader and comprises a non-specialist overview of the issue, together with a number of questions to assist in shaping discussion and feedback.
The paper sets out the current range of sanctions applied in Ireland and asks:
- what role should sanctions play as part of an overall response to crime ?
- how well is the existing approach working to prevent and reduce crime ?
- how should policy in this area best be developed and implemented ?
The document begins by setting out some of the most commonly cited aims of imposing a sanction and how these might contribute to crime prevention and public protection. In particular, the role of sanctions in deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation is highlighted.
The document then outlines the current range of sanctions as applied in Ireland, covering custodial and non-custodial options and discusses possible benefits and challenges presented by both approaches. Finally, the paper summarises the general framework for sentencing policy in Ireland and how it might be developed for the future.
Examples of the questions flagged for detailed consideration include:
- to what extent does imprisonment contribute to crime reduction and public protection ?
- could greater use be made of non-custodial penalties ?
- what types of non-custodial sanctions might be appropriate for less serious but persistent offenders ?
- what kind of role should communities have in the operation of Community Service Orders ?
- should mechanisms be put in place to curtail the number of short prison sentences ?
- does Irish sentencing policy require greater structuring and, if so, how should this be achieved ?
- how can public information and understanding of the sentencing process be improved ?
In August 2010, two reports were published on the outcome of the consultation process: a summary of the written submissions received by the Department and a summary of the contributions made by the participants at the consultation meeting held at Dublin Castle in May 2010. These documents are available in PDF format or as html from the link below. Hard copies are available on request.
Overview of the White Paper on Crime Process
First Discussion Document – ‘Crime Prevention and Community Safety’
Second Discussion Document - 'Criminal Sanctions' - Summary of Consultation Outcomes
Third Discussion Document - 'Organised and White Collar Crime'
Third Discussion Document - 'Organised and White Collar Crime' - Summary of Consultation Outcomes
Fourth Discussion Document – 'The Community and the Criminal Justice System'
Summary of Consultation Outcomes – "Older Citizens and the Issue of Crime"