Quote:
Originally Posted by valo403
Source? Courts processing arrests and convictions are different things.
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Actually the Guardian has reported they have already sentanced several that pled guilty of minor charges who were presumably caught in the act, one guy got 18 months for possesion another youth 6 for similer offences, in the UK magistrates (our JP's) have the power to sentance in the intitial phases.
My guess is that defense lawyers are advising their clients to plead not guilty just to delay things long enough for things to calm down, the danger of this is in english courts a not guilty plea when you are blatently guilty will get you a much longer sentace.
Apparently though the courts are well aware of public feeling and have been going 'Judge Jefferies' on all concerned, defence lawyers are stating they have never seen such a harsh responce by the courts.
English judges are way more likely to sentence 'emotionally' in my experience in general so this comes as no suprise.