Foreword

Now that reference materials are increasingly to be found online rather than in ‘hard copy’ format, I am pleased to be able to introduce the first exclusively online publication produced by the Judicial Studies Board for Northern Ireland.

Sentencing guidelines are intended to promote consistency in sentencing and adherence to proper legal principles.  They are also, of course, a very useful resource for criminal law practitioners.

In this online format, sentencers and lawyers have a readily accessible and easy to use resource.  The other major benefit of maintaining an online publication is the relative ease with which it can be kept up to date.  The Judicial Studies Board shall work with my Legal Unit to ensure that the guideline cases are available within a short time of their being handed down.  I hope therefore that judges and advocates will consult these regularly so that the aims and purpose of the guidelines can be achieved.

I would like to thank JSB staff and the lawyers in my Legal Unit for the work that they have done in preparing this important resource.