Reform UK wants to give the public say on prison sentences through a new legal proposal. Deputy leader Richard Tice suggests letting citizens challenge court rulings they see as unfair. Under his plan, if 500 people sign a petition, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) must review the sentence.
Tice argues this system would boost trust in the justice system. He claims even experienced judges sometimes make mistakes. Furthermore, he believes letting the public say on prison sentences would create an extra layer of accountability.
Currently, defendants can appeal harsh sentences, and anyone can report overly lenient ones to the attorney general. However, Tice’s plan would introduce direct public involvement. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says they are not currently considering his idea.
Tice referenced Lucy Connolly’s case while presenting his bill. Connolly received a 31-month sentence for inciting racial hatred online. She had posted inflammatory messages about asylum seekers on X (formerly Twitter).
Critics argue her punishment was excessive compared to crimes like theft or assault. Tice called her case an example of “two-tier justice.” In May, Connolly lost her appeal, fueling further controversy.
The CCRC, which Tice’s proposal relies on, has faced criticism for past failures. Recently, it mishandled Andrew Malkinson’s wrongful rape conviction. New chair Dame Vera Baird KC vows to reform the body.
Meanwhile, a parliamentary petition about social media-related prison sentences has gained traction. Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe started it, and it now has over 100,000 signatures.
Reform UK’s push for a public say on prison sentences raises key questions. Should everyday citizens influence legal outcomes? Can this prevent unfair rulings? While the MoJ remains hesitant, the debate continues.
For now, the justice system keeps appeals limited to legal channels. Yet, with growing public interest, the call for change may grow louder. The public say on prison sentences could soon become a major political issue.
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