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Sentencing for drugs offences
Genevieve Horwood, In House Counsel, Release, London
Abstract
Sentencing for drugs offences has undergone a root and branch review.
The sentencing Advisory Panel has this year formally consulted on such fundamental questions as whether deterrent sentencing is effective for drugs offences and the relative seriousness of drug offences as compared with other forms of offending behaviour, in particular with offences of violence (including sexual offences) and dishonesty.
The sentencing Advisory Panel is an independent advisory and consultative body that assists and advises the Sentencing Guidelines Council in producing definitive guidelines for sentencing in criminal matters. In the public consultation on drugs offences, to which Release responded in full, the Panel suggested a framework which would see custodial sentences for drugs offences significantly reduced if adopted, particularly for drug mules - but will their proposals be accepted or will there be resistance from other consultees?
This session will provide an update on sentencing for drugs offences and discussion will be had on the principles that ought to guide sentencers when confronted with drug offences.
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Biography
Genevieve is a barrister practising as In House Counsel for Release and is an associate of the International Drug Policy Consortium; she comes from a background at the Independent Bar where she specialised in criminal defense and drugs cases. In her role at Release, Genevieve identifies opportunities for strategic litigation, advises on the impact of new legislation and case-law, drafts consultation papers and parliamentary briefings on proposals for new law and provides legal outreach services to a number of drug projects across London.
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