Under new proposals to be debated by the States, the Attorney General could be given the power to appeal against sentences he thinks are unduly lenient.
And, as in the UK, Jersey’s most senior lawyer says that while he will make the final decision on whether to apply for review of sentence, he will be open to requests from victims, politicians and the public.
The ability to appeal would be limited to sentences for crimes with a maximum penalty of over one year in jail.
Currently, Attorney General William Bailhache does not have the power to apply to the Court of Appeal for a sentence to be lengthened, but the court can hear from defence lawyers who want sentences reduced.
