Assembly Committee calls on People to respond to Department Consultation

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice has called on people here to participate in the recently launched consultation by the Department of Justice on a Sentencing Guidelines Mechanism [1].

The Committee was recently briefed on the consultation exercise which is seeking views on the current sentencing arrangements and what role a Sentencing Guidelines Council [2] might have.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Lord Morrow MLA said:

“The Committee welcomes this consultation. Most people have opinions about sentences given and whether they are appropriate. This consultation gives everyone the opportunity to express their views which could have a very real impact on any new arrangements the Department makes.

The Committee wants to encourage as many people as possible to take part and respond to the Department’s proposals. Hopefully this will ensure that as wide a range of views and ideas as possible are put forward.”