Assessing Methodological Approaches to Sentencing Data & Analysis : Report 3: Recommendations

To assist with the discharge of its functions, the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee of the Judicial Council of Ireland commissioned the University of Strathclyde (Scotland) to lead independent academic research to "assess the methodological approaches to sentencing data collection and analysis in Ireland, as well as evaluation of the utility of methodologies employed in other jurisdictions." This document is the third of three interim reports submitted by the international academic team commissioned by the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee (SGIC) to assess methodological issues in sentencing data and analysis. The research is led by Prof Cyrus Tata (University of Strathclyde, Scotland) Our first report surveyed existing sources of criminal justice data in Ireland and explored the kinds of statistical information necessary to support guideline construction and guideline monitoring. Our second report provides a review and analysis of the range of data methodologies adopted in three broadly comparable countries and jurisdictions where a body equivalent to the SGIC has been established. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of sentencing data in the USA, England and Wales, and Scotland. Additionally, it notes developments in some Australian states (most notably New South Wales). Our third report builds on the findings of our first two reports to provide recommendations on the steps to be taken to ensure sentencing data is of the highest quality