The Sentencing Council in England and Wales is facing backlash over new guidelines aimed at considering the backgrounds of offenders from ethnic minority communities. Critics, including Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have expressed concerns about creating a "two-tier" justice system that disadvantages certain groups, particularly white offenders. Mahmood has threatened to introduce a law to counter the guidelines if needed. The Sentencing Council, while acknowledging the criticism, asserts that leveraging background considerations aims to rectify disparities in sentencing practices. Tensions between the Ministry of Justice and the Council have risen as both sides assert their stances on justice equality and reform.
The Sentencing Council is facing criticism for its new guidelines aimed at considering the lives of ethnic minority offenders, with Justice Secretary Mahmood demanding equal treatment under the law.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed strong concerns about creating a 'two-tier' justice system and is prepared to pass a law to challenge the Sentencing Council's guidelines.
The Sentencing Council claims its new guidelines are designed to address disparities in sentencing, stating that the government cannot dictate these important decisions and stressing fairness and equality.
The rising tensions between the Ministry of Justice and the Sentencing Council highlight the complexities of balancing justice reforms with widespread public perceptions of equality before the law.
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