Hey, I have to complete an essay in relation to the question "Evaluate the effectiveness of sentencing and punishment as a means of achieving justice"
Intro: A sentence is an penalty which a court issues out to one who has pleaded guilty or is found guilty of an offence. The judge or magistrate decides on the appropriate sentence according to the statutory and judicial guidelines. In the process of achieving justice, there are limitations which prevent the achievement of justice and there are also factors which help ensure that justice is achieved.
P1:There are many limitations which prevent the achievement of justice in sentencing and punishment. One of these limitations include the reality of victim impact statements possibly doing more harm than good.
P2: Another limitation includes types of penalties and post sentencing considerations
P3: However, there are factors that help ensure the achievement of justice in sentencing and punishment which includes the use of certain judicial and statutory limits to protect from bias
P4: Another factor to help ensure the achievement of justice includes the victim impact statements. A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement read to the court which outlines the full effect the crime had on the victim and in some cases, outlines the full effect on the family. One advantage of the statement is that is can be made by a member of the victim’s family if the victim has died. This is an advantage as it allows the effect of the crime to be brought up to the court’s attention regardless and helps to ensure justice as the victim’s or their family’s impact will not be left unheard. The statement generates sympathy and certain details and information which were not made clear prior to the statement, may explain the extent to which to crime truly impacted the victim and/or their family especially when if the perpretrator had pleaded guilty and the judge has has no opportunity to hear the victim’s evidence. This will then argue that society would benefit if the offender stayed in prison. Another benefit from a victim impact statement is the fact that is provides the victim a role in the court process which gives the victim and society greater confidence in the legal system. Lastly, this action also assists in the rehabilitation process of the offence as during the reading, the offender gets to hear his or hers impact of their actions.
P5: Lastly, alternative forms of sentencing are beneficial for certain members of society, for example for indigenous and youths, and are additional factors to help ensure justice in relation to sentencing and punishment.
Conclusion:
i was wondering if i could get feedback on what i have so far and key points which i can use to ensure the essay flows and is fulfils the needs of the marker.
Thank you!