Measuring Sentence Inflation in England and Wales Our new analysis leads us to estimate that sentencing in England and Wales is today 54% more punitive than it was in 2005. Read our report here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

As Parliament legislates to override an aspect of a sentencing guideline for the first time, we have produced a Briefing that considers the implications of the Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill. Read our Briefing here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

With the possibility of emergency legislation being introduced to override an aspect of a sentencing guideline, an Explainer by us sets out the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the Sentencing Council. Read our Explainer here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/the…

Would you like to join the Sentencing Academy at a time of great significance for sentencing in England and Wales? We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer for an initial one year fixed-term to help us develop our new Sentencing Hub. Full details: sentencingacademy.org.uk/res…

A new post from us explains the role of the Pre-Sentence Report at sentencing in light of the response to the updated Imposition sentencing guideline. Read the post here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/the…

Following the publication of the Independent Sentencing Review's interim report last week, our Director of External Relations @EllieCumbo considers the challenges ahead: sentencingacademy.org.uk/a-r…

We have now published our response to the Independent Sentencing Review. Our response includes analyses of the extent to which the greater use of custody may have been caused by more serious offences appearing before the courts. Read our response: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

Join us on Friday 10 January for a free day-long event - 'Perspectives on Sentencing' - held in conjunction with @SentencingCCL and @CityLawSchool. Topics include the Government's Sentencing Review and the issue of sentence inflation. Sign up here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/perspecti…

Who’s in Prison and What’s the Purpose of Imprisonment? A Survey of Public Knowledge and Attitudes. Our new report finds limited knowledge of the composition of the prison population and scepticism about its effectiveness to rehabilitate or punish. Read: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

What do children in England and Wales think and know about sentencing? Our new report explores the findings from a survey of 1,038 children over the minimum age of criminal responsibility (aged 10-17). Read the full report here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

There is still time to apply to become our new CEO. Applications close on Saturday 5 October. Please share with anyone who may be interested! Full details available here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/rec…

Could you be our new CEO? We are looking for a passionate and experienced leader to join us to oversee the next stage of the Sentencing Academy's development and expansion. Full details: sentencingacademy.org.uk/sen… Please share!

Our new blog on reducing the proportion of most standard determinate sentences to be served in custody to 40%. Although essential to alleviate a crisis situation, running out of prison places necessitates a full review into the sentencing framework. Read: sentencingacademy.org.uk/the…

Research has found that 57% of women in prison in England and Wales have been victims of domestic abuse. Our new paper by @bettinson_v of @NorthumbriaLaw examines the role of experience of coercive control as mitigation at sentencing. Read the report: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

The average minimum term for murder increased from 13 years in 2000 to 21 years in 2021. Our new paper by @__RichardMartin from @LSELaw examines the evolution of sentencing for murder over the past two decades. The paper is available here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

Research with magistrates in 2015 found that only 11% thought the Victim Personal Statement process in England & Wales worked 'well' or 'very well' for victims Our new report by @_freyarock examines recent research and developments in relation to the VPS: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

Two pieces of legislation currently going through Parliament will make changes to sentencing practice in England and Wales. Our briefing on the possible impact of the Criminal Justice Bill and the Sentencing Bill is available here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…

With the system of parole in England and Wales undergoing changes in recent years, our new paper by @GavinDingwall and Megan Millar reviews the reforms. Parole in England and Wales: Recent Reforms and Proposals for the Future is available here: sentencingacademy.org.uk/wp-…