News item | 13-07-2023 | 5:00 PM
Punishment can be more appropriate and person-oriented. This is evident from an exploration of the current sanctions system by Minister Franc Weerwind for Legal Protection. Every crime and every criminal is different. That is why it is important that the punishment fits the criminal. Weerwind has therefore mapped out nine opportunities to optimize tailor-made punishment. He will send a letter to the House of Representatives about this.
“Putting the judge in a position to impose more tailor-made punishments ensures a safer Netherlands. It prevents recidivism and makes the system even more effective in achieving the punishment targets. It is great that this exploration has now been completed and that we can prepare the building blocks for the next government to continue this development.” says Minister Franc Weerwind.
It has therefore been explored with the criminal justice system and scientists whether our current sanctions system takes sufficient account of which punishment is most appropriate. We retaliate injustice by imposing punishment. We do justice to victims and are committed to preventing recurrence of crime.
One of the opportunities being explored is that convicts will undergo their sentence from the start in a limited security section of the prison, so that they do not lose their job or home. Another example is that a community service order is expanded with care and learning elements. This helps to successfully complete community service and to prevent the convicted offender from committing a new offense. Furthermore, the judge sometimes misses certain information when he has to impose a sentence or when he has to decide whether someone should remain in detention pending the hearing of the criminal case. If the court more often receives advice from the probation service at an early stage, it will be easier for the court to decide whether or not to detain a suspect.
With the elaboration of these nine opportunities, Weerwind gives substance to a motion by Member of Parliament Joost Sneller (D66). Given the outgoing status of the cabinet, decision-making on the introduction of measures is up to the next ministers involved.