Clause 1
Serious Crime Bill [Lords]
10:45 am
Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
I will, of course, give way, if the hon. Gentleman will just give me a moment.
We should incorporate the required standard of proof in the legislation and not leave it exclusively to the courts. May I remind the Committee that, from time to time, we discuss the discretion of the courts, for example under the tariffs for mandatory life sentences? This House has said to the courts, “We do not leave to your exclusive discretion the minimum tariffs to be imposed for life sentences, because we think that these things should be determined by this House”. That is my view with regard to this particular measure in this Bill; it should be determined by this House and not left to the courts.