SentencingACE enables judges to quickly check the sentence they intend to impose, a convenient alternative to checking the reference books to make sure all elements are correct in law. It also provides a reference source for defence and prosecution practitioners, helping them make sure they address the court on all matters relevant to sentencing and avoid making technical sentencing errors in their submissions.
SentencingACE, which stands for ‘avoidance of common errors’, was conceived by a High Court judge and tested by Crown Court judges. It covers more than 800 offences, including those most commonly sentenced, and will in time include the vast majority of indictable offences and those summary offences most likely to be sentenced in the Crown Court.
The Sentencing Council will continue to update the content. However, each judge remains responsible for ensuring sentences are correct in law, and the use of SentencingACE is entirely voluntary.
Lord Justice Holroyde, Chairman of the Sentencing Council, said: ‘Sentencing is a complex procedure, and sentencers must bear in mind a great many matters.
‘SentencingACE will allow Crown Court judges to confirm quickly and easily that the sentence they have decided upon is lawful in all respects.’
Holroyde LJ said: ‘SentencingACE should reduce the number of appeals that stem from technical sentencing errors. And, by allowing the Court of Appeal to deal more efficiently with other, more complex cases, this new tool will help to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system.’
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