§ 38. Mr. Loveysasked the Attorney-General what guidance is given on sentencing policy to magistrates attending compulsory training courses.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe training courses provided for magistrates are not at present compulsory. My noble and learned friend, the Lord Chancellor, however, has asked the National Advisory Council on the Training of Magistrates to advise him how best to introduce compulsory training and what subjects it should include. Its report is expected shortly. Meanwhile, voluntary courses are available to magistrates throughout England and Wales. Most of these provide instruction on sentencing and include visits to penal institutions. In addition, every justice, on appointment, receives a handbook on the treatment of offenders, which has been specially prepared by the Home Office.