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New Sentencing Rules Aim to Fix Democratic Deficit

9/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new rules for Sentencing Council guidelines approval to address a "democratic deficit."
The changes respond to political backlash against sentencing guidelines that considered offenders' backgrounds.
The Sentencing Bill introduced in the House of Commons addresses prison overcrowding and mandates ministerial oversight of the Council.

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Story summary

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new rules for Sentencing Council guidelines approval to address a "democratic deficit."
The changes respond to political backlash against sentencing guidelines that considered offenders' backgrounds.
The Sentencing Bill introduced in the House of Commons addresses prison overcrowding and mandates ministerial oversight of the Council.