Open consultation: Murder sentencing

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views on the sentencing starting point for murders preceded by controlling or coercive behaviour against the murder victim and all murders committed with a knife or other weapon.

The government has already introduced legislation to give domestic murders specialist consideration in the sentencing framework. These measures were announced earlier this year, in the Governments response to the independent Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review undertaken by Clare Wade KC.

This consultation is therefore seeking views on a minimum term starting point for (i) cases of murder preceded by controlling or coercive behaviour against the murder victim, and (ii) all murders committed with a knife or other weapon.

The consultation is aimed at all those with an interest in or views on the subject covered by this paper in England and Wales. The consultation will be open for 14 weeks and will close on 4th March 2024.

View consultation here.