Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Deferred
Paragraph: 44
Review pronouncement templates for magistrates to ensure clarity and consistent application
Recommendation
Magistrates are required to communicate their remand decisions to the parties in open court; however, we have heard that this is not always done in a way which is understandable to the parties involved. Pronouncement templates for magistrates should be reviewed to ensure they are as clear as possible for those being sentenced and their use should be monitored to ensure they are being used consistently
Government response summary AI-generated
The government partially accepted the recommendation, but instead discussed reforms in the draft Mental Health Bill to prevent remanding defendants solely for their mental health, and plans to strengthen community crisis care services, without addressing pronouncement templates.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
44
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
We reject this recommendation. The judiciary of England and Wales is independent of Government. It is not appropriate for the Government to review training materials that are provided to magistrates, which therefore means the Government is unable to accept any decisions on recommendations reserved for the judiciary. It is essential that defendants understand the explanation of why they are being remanded into custody or what sentence they have been given. Pronouncement cards, which are designed to provide guidance for magistrates, and training on pronouncements for magistrates, are reviewed regularly to reflect changes to powers and to reflect feedback. These cards are easily accessible to magistrates from the devices that they use in court. As of early 2022, magistrates can also use the Sentencing Council website to access the cards and electronically build individual pronouncements before delivering them.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗