The Law Show Should killers be forced to attend sentencing hearings?
Jun 4, 2025
Claire Waxman, Victim's Commissioner for London, and Charlie Sherrard KC, a criminal justice barrister, dive into the newly proposed Victims and Courts Bill. They discuss how it mandates criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, emphasizing the emotional impact on victims' families. Waxman highlights stories from families who endured the absence of offenders at their loved ones’ sentencing. Plus, they explore the rise of AI in legal services and the emerging concept of 'pet-nups' for couples to consider in case of separation.
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Offenders' Absence Deepens Trauma
- Families of murder victims reported offenders willfully refusing to attend sentencing, which caused additional trauma.
- This refusal made victims' families feel injustice and prevented them from moving on.
Understanding Life Sentences
- Life sentences include minimum terms before parole eligibility, not fixed prison durations.
- Whole life orders mean prisoners stay incarcerated until death, complicating extensions for non-attendance.
Forcing Attendance Can Backfire
- Using reasonable force to compel attendance may disrupt court and harm the victim families' experience.
- It risks shifting focus back to offenders instead of supporting families during sentencing.