(what would now be considered) relatively short, determinate sentences; sentences which would have corresponded with the then tariff for murder in the UK. Of the 50 death sentences commuted during that period only four
that period only four were commuted to life sentences whilst the usual substituted sentence was about 20 years' imprisonment.
13
Since the Colonial Secretary's announcement in 1975 life imprisonment has,
has, in accordance with the Government's pledge, become the usual sentence imposed upon commutation of death sentences. Determinate sentences are now a relatively uncommon substitute although, since mid-1985, ExCo has shown a greater willingness to advise that determinate sentences be imposed upon commutation. Of the 98 murderers whose sentences were commuted between 1976 and August 1985 31 (32%) received determinate sentences. Between August 1985 and July 1988 46 murderers had their sentences commuted and of those 22 (48%) had their sentences commuted to determinate sentences. Historically ExCo has always shown greater leniency towards juveniles and, especially, towards women.
14
Members may note that the murder rate seems generally to be on a downward trend at present. (Annex A)
6 January 1989
(L/M to AGC 1/1775/67)
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