Mandatory sentencing for knife carrying
Thu, 04/15/2010 - 23:41
MSPs have backed proposals for a six-month minimum jail sentence for anyone caught carrying a knife in the latest stage of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.
The Labour amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill was supported on the casting vote of the convener of Holyrood's justice committee.
A proposal by the Tories for a minimum two-year sentence was rejected.
The amendment is likely to be overturned when the bill comes before Holyrood for the final vote.
What are your thoughts on mandatory sentencing? Do you think there should be a minimum six month jail sentence for those caught carrying knives, and if so, why? Were the committee right to accept the six month proposal and reject the two year proposal? Is prison a deterrent for those carrying knives or should we be looking at other forms of sentencing or rehabilitation?
You can also vote on the issue in our poll.
VRU’s submission on mandatory sentencing
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