Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Deferred
Paragraph: 112
Conduct a review of sentencing terminology to improve public understanding of life sentences.
Recommendation
The use by major news outlets of the phrase “jailed for life” when they are not referring to a whole life order is an example of how media coverage risks perpetuating misunderstandings of the law on life sentences among the public. Reporting of sentencing that potentially inflates expectations of how long a person will serve in prison risks damaging public confidence. During our visit to Finland and the Netherlands, stakeholders stressed that the media’s self-restraint in commenting on sentencing contributed to a positive level positive level of cooperation between the judiciary and the media. The Government should conduct a review of the terminology used in sentencing and should consider whether the terminology used for life sentences could be made more accessible to the public.
Government Response Summary
The government deflected the recommendation, stating that the Sentencing Council has a duty to promote awareness of sentencing matters and will respond.
Paragraph Reference:
112
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
25. Section 129 of the Coroners Act places a duty on the Sentencing Council to publish and promote awareness of matters relating to sentencing. The Council will respond to this recommendation.