What is sentencing?
I can explain different purposes and types of sentencing and evaluate their effectiveness.
What is sentencing?
I can explain different purposes and types of sentencing and evaluate their effectiveness.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The five purposes of sentencing are to punish, reduce crime, reform, protect the public, and offer reparation.
- There are different types of sentences: discharge, fine, community sentence, and custodial sentence.
- Judges decide sentences based on Sentencing Council guidelines, considering both aggravating and mitigating factors.
- Parliament creates laws that set maximum and minimum sentences for crimes.
Keywords
Sentencing - the punishment that a judge or magistrate decides someone should be given after they have been convicted of a crime
Crime - an illegal act that is punishable by law
Offender - someone who has committed a crime
Common misconception
Judges and magistrates have complete freedom in deciding sentences.
Parliament sets the laws that determine maximum and minimum sentences, and the Sentencing Council provides guidelines that judges and magistrates must follow.
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: What is sentencing?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: What is sentencing?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the What are the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
someone who handles cases in lower courts involving minor offences.
a person who has broken a law and is facing legal consequences.
someone who makes decisions and oversees cases in higher courts.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a person who has broken a law
an illegal act that is punishable by law
the process of deciding an appropriate punishment