New legal measures will allow judges in England and Wales to impose stricter penalties on inmates who refuse to attend court for sentencing, including extended solitary confinement or the suspension of visits. The changes expand existing laws that already require offenders to appear in court or risk additional fines or imprisonment for contempt. Under the new rules, set to take effect next year, judges will gain broader authority to enforce compliance with victim impact statements. Critics may question whether these measures adequately balance justice with the rights of prisoners.
England and Wales judges will be able to keep inmates in their cells for longer or stop visits if they refuse to face their victims’ families in courtOffenders who refuse to face their victims’ families in court for sentencing could be stripped of privileges or kept in cells for weeks under government changes granting wider powers to judges in England and Wales.The imposition of new prison sanctions, coming into effect next year, build on existing laws that order offenders to attend sentencing or face a fine or be jailed for a further two years for contempt of court. Continue reading...
