Minimum Custodial Periods upon Conviction for Murder Bill 2017

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A court would have to set a minimum prison term for someone convicted of murder, based on the facts of the case, before that person could be considered for remission, parole or early release. The bill sets suggested starting points of 40 years for the most serious murders, 30 years for serious cases and 25 years for other murders, while still letting judges move up or down within limits and requiring them to explain their decision. It aims to make murder sentencing more consistent and transparent, while still allowing the court to take account of planning, violence, mitigating circumstances and the victim’s impact.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the adoption of a system of minimum custodial periods upon conviction in cases of murder whereby the court shall determine the minimum custodial term a person convicted of the offence of murder shall serve, based on the circumstances of the matter before the court, and where the court shall give reasons for such a determination

Last updated 12 April 2018