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<p>Sentencing in individual cases is entirely a matter for the independent courts.
Custody should be imposed as a last resort. By law, courts are required to be satisfied
that the offence committed is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified,
and even when that threshold is met, the courts are able to consider whether a community
sentence would be better in that particular case.</p><p> </p><p>The Queen’s Speech
set out plans for new sentencing laws, including proposals for tougher community sentences,
which will offer courts further effective alternatives to custodial sentences.</p>
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