In this dissertation the problems surrounding the sentencing stage and factors which influence the sentence are briefly considered. The emphasis is on the use and value of a pre-sentence report in determining suitable sentences other than imprisonment. Historical background in the use of pre-sentence reports in South Africa, England and America is briefly referred to. Relevant concepts, such as individualisation of punishment, are considered in relation to possible sentences such as compensation, fines, community service, and correctional supervision. It is concluded that the provisions of sections 274 and 276A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1 977 are not enough to regulate the use of pre-sentence reports in South Africa. It is further concluded that legislation is needed in this area, but in the meantime, our courts should work towards developing guidelines based on the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1 977. / Criminal & Procedural Law / LL.M (Law)

In this dissertation the problems surrounding the sentencing stage and factors which influence the sentence are briefly considered. The emphasis is on the use and value of a pre-sentence report in determining suitable sentences other than imprisonment. Historical background in the use of pre-sentence reports in South Africa, England and America is briefly referred to. Relevant concepts, such as individualisation of punishment, are considered in relation to possible sentences such as compensation, fines, community service, and correctional supervision. It is concluded that the provisions of sections 274 and 276A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1 977 are not enough to regulate the use of pre-sentence reports in South Africa. It is further concluded that legislation is needed in this area, but in the meantime, our courts should work towards developing guidelines based on the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1 977. / Criminal and Procedural Law / LL.M (Law)

In this project the various International Instruments, namely the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, 1989, the Beijing Rules and the African Charter, relating to the protection of the rights of children were discussed focusing on the rights of children in conflict with the law. The important guidelines regarding the establishment of a minimum age for criminal capacity, detention, legal representation, diversion, sentencing, pre-sentence reports, child justice Courts and the confidentiality of children’s Court hearings were highlighted. The current positions in South African law with regard to these issues were discussed and the proposed provisions in the Child Justice Bill, 49 of 2002 were furnished. The research included all the magistrates in Gauteng that were in service during February 2003 and March 2003. Throughout the project the important role that forensic criminologists can and should play in a juvenile justice system was highlighted. / Criminology / M.A.

In this project the various International Instruments, namely the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, 1989, the Beijing Rules and the African Charter, relating to the protection of the rights of children were discussed focusing on the rights of children in conflict with the law. The important guidelines regarding the establishment of a minimum age for criminal capacity, detention, legal representation, diversion, sentencing, pre-sentence reports, child justice Courts and the confidentiality of children’s Court hearings were highlighted. The current positions in South African law with regard to these issues were discussed and the proposed provisions in the Child Justice Bill, 49 of 2002 were furnished. The research included all the magistrates in Gauteng that were in service during February 2003 and March 2003. Throughout the project the important role that forensic criminologists can and should play in a juvenile justice system was highlighted. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A.

La littérature indique qu’il y a un problème de surreprésentation de personnes noires dans le système de justice criminelle canadien. Ce problème serait notamment la manifestation d’un racisme systémique anti-NoirEs (RSAN) dont les origines remontent aux époques coloniale, esclavagiste et ségrégationniste du pays. Les Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs), des rapports présentenciels spécialisés, sont une initiative émergente visant à faire reconnaître les impacts du RSAN afin de mitiger la peine des justiciables noirs au Canada. Ce mémoire a pour objectif de documenter les discours et pratiques autour de l’utilisation des IRCAs. Plus spécifiquement, il vise à (1) détailler le processus de production des IRCAs et leur présentation au tribunal ; (2) mettre en lumière les avantages et les désavantages d'utilisation des IRCAs et (3) faire état de l’impact des IRCAs sur la pratique judiciaire. L’analyse thématique de données d’entretiens semi-dirigés menés entre 2018 et 2022 auprès de 35 avocats-criminalistes de pratique privée et de service oeuvrant à Toronto a permis de constater que les rapports IRCAs sont bien connus et appréciés des avocats torontois. Toutefois, les résultats suggèrent également qu’il reste de nombreux obstacles à pallier afin de faire reconnaître leur valeur auprès du plus grand nombre, d’harmoniser leur utilisation à l’ensemble du pays et de les rendre accessibles à tous ceux qui en ont besoin. Un doute demeure quant à la véritable portée que peut avoir une telle initiative lorsque l’intention ultime est de réformer un système entier. / Literature shows that there is a problem of over-representation of Black people in the Canadian criminal justice system. Among other factors, this issue is linked to systemic antiblack racism (SABR), the causes of which can be traced back to the country's colonial, slavery and segregationist history. Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) are specialized pre-sentence reports and an emerging initiative aimed at recognizing the impacts of SABR in order to mitigate the punishment of Black offenders, in Canada. This masters aims to document the discourse and practices surrounding the use of IRCAs. More specifically, it aims to (1) detail the process of producing an IRCA and presenting it to the court; (2) highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using IRCAs; and (3) report on the impact of IRCAs on court practice. Thematic data analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted between 2018 and 2022 with 35 private practice and duty criminal lawyers working in Toronto found that IRCAs reports are well known and appreciated by Toronto lawyers. However, the results also suggest that there are still many obstacles to overcome in order to ensure that their value is widely recognized, that their use is harmonized across the country, and that they are accessible to all those who need them. Doubts remain as to the true scope of such an initiative when the ultimate intention is to reform an entire system.