it'd be nice if the minimum sentence actually got applied though,
It very rarely does here.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 18 May 2011, 11:19, 1 reply, 15 years ago)

It does here
that's why it's a minimum. Obviously, though, most people get out in less for good behaviour.

I fully appreciate that it's very hard as the victim of a crime to see prison as anything other than a punishment and therefore to be angry if the sentence is low or shortened, but we are supposed to be civilised human beings not babarians and prison is not meant to be primarily a punishment, that's not really justice. People are released early for other reasons. Not that, I'm sure, that makes you feel any better.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Wed 18 May 2011, 11:22, Reply)

See knife crime minimum sentence of 5 years - not

( sporters I’m sincerely gratitude to you, Wed 18 May 2011, 11:27, Reply)

It fucking well should be about punishment!

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Wed 18 May 2011, 11:30, Reply)

why?
if it's solely about punishment than flog and/or execute everyone and BAM! well done, back in the middle ages.

A justice system is about rehabilitation, punishment, removal of risk of reoffending and remorse. All four matter in civilised society.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Wed 18 May 2011, 11:38, Reply)

I didn't say solely
Sentences should be half harsh punishment, so no one ever wants to go back, and half rehabilitation so that they have the opportunity to not reoffend.

The removal of risk is important, but not in all cases as a person caught embezzling is hardly a massive threat!
( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Wed 18 May 2011, 11:41, Reply)