Speech for Noms Regional Sentencers’ Conference

Nicholas Moss JP reflected on two important changes: the new Criminal Justice Act, and Lord Carter's review of correctional services.

"It must always be the case that sentencers decide sentences in individual cases. That’s what judicial independence means. But it doesn’t mean our being separate from the processes which enable us meet those responsibilities.

"Or our being separate from the communities on whose behalf we dispense justice. We’re part of those worlds. We have a duty to engage as interdependent partners with those who provide and manage sentences for us.

"To understand better what they’re about; what they’re offering; to feed back practical experiences. To understand better the consequences of our decisions.
So that we are better able to reassure our communities that the sentences we pass can make a difference and can reduce crime."