Criminal Justice Act 1991

2 Length of custodial sentences. E+W

(1) This section applies where a court passes a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law [F1 or falling to be imposed under section 2(2) of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997].

(2) [F2 Subject to sections 3(2) and 4(2) of that Act,]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 [F3 one 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 [F3 one 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.

[F4 (5) Subsection (3) above shall not apply in any case where the court passes a custodial sentence falling to be imposed under subsection (2) of section 3 or 4 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 which is for the minimum term specified in that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, s. 55, Sch. 4 para. 15(3); S.I. 1997/2200, art.2 (with savings in art. 5)

F2 Words in s. 2(2) inserted (in part 1.10.1997 and otherwise 1.12.1999) by 1997 c. 43, s. 55, Sch. 4 para. 15(4); S.I. 1997/2200, art.2 (with savings in art. 5); S.I. 1999/3096, art. 2(d)

F3 Words 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

F4 S. 2(5) inserted (in part 1.10.1997 and otherwise 1.12.1999) by 1997 c. 43, s. 55, Sch. 4 para. 15(5); S.I. 1997/2200, art.2 (with savings in art. 5); S.I. 1999/3096, art. 2(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 2 excluded (prosp.) by 1997 c. 43, s. 17(5), 57(2) (with s. 41, Sch. 1 para. 10(4))(by 1998 c. 37, s. 120(2), Sch.10, the said s.17(5) is repealed (30.9.1998); S.I. 1998/2327, art.2(1)(aa)(3)(x)).

S. 2 amended (in part 1.10.1997 and otherwise 1.12.1999) by 1997 c. 43, s. 55(2); S.I. 1997/2200, art.2 (subject to savings in art. 5); S.I. 1999/3096, art. 2(d)

Ss. 1-4 extended (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 1(6); S.I. 1998/277, art.3(1) (with art. 4) (by 1998 c. 37, ss. 120(2), 121(2), Sch.10 and S.I. 1999/3426, arts. 3, 4 the said s. 1 of 1994 c. 33 is repealed (1.4.2000) ).

Ss. 1-4 applied (1.4.2000) by 1998 c. 37, s. 73(4); S.I. 1999/3426, art. 3(a)

C2 S. 2(2) modified (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 58(6) (with Sch. 9 para. 3); S.I. 1998/2327, art.2(1)(n).

Commencement Information

I1 S. 2 wholly in force at 1.10.1992 see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.