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Criminal Justice Act 1991
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Criminal Justice Act 1991, Section 2 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 18 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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2 Length of custodial sentences.E+W
(1)This section applies where a court passes a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law.
(2)The custodial sentence shall be—
(a)for such term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) as in the opinion of the court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and [F1one or more] offences associated with it; or
(b)where the offence is a violent or sexual offence, for such longer term (not exceeding that maximum) as in the opinion of the court is necessary to protect the public from serious harm from the offender.
(3)Where the court passes a custodial sentence for a term longer than is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and [F1one or more] offences associated with it, the court shall—
(a)state in open court that it is of the opinion that subsection (2)(b) above applies and why it is of that opinion; and
(b)explain to the offender in open court and in ordinary language why the sentence is for such a term.
(4)A custodial sentence for an indeterminate period shall be regarded for the purposes of subsections (2) and (3) above as a custodial sentence for a term longer than any actual term.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 2(2)(a)(3) substituted (16.8.1993) by 1993 c. 36, s. 66(2)(9); S.I. 1993/1968, art. 2(1), Sch.1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Ss. 1-4 extended (prosp.) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 1(6), 172(2)
S. 2 excluded (prosp.) by 1997 c. 43 ss. 17(5), 57(2) (with s. 41, Sch. 1 para. (4)).
S. 2 amended (prosp.) 1997 c. 43, ss. 55(2), 57(2).
Commencement Information
I1S. 2 wholly in force at 1.10.1992 see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.
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