|
|
Article: 'End automatic life sentence for killing'; PROSECUTOR URGES AMERICAN-STYLE DEGREES OF MURDER.
- Article from:
- The Evening Standard (London, England)
- Article date:
- May 24, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: JOE MURPHY
BRITAIN'S top prosecutor today called for new murder laws to end automatic life sentences for "less serious" killings.
Ken Macdonald urged an American-style system where murders are graded.
The most serious - including contract killings, terrorist attacks and premeditated murder - would still attract automatic life terms.
But lesser degree killings, such as woman who "snaps" and kills a violent partner, would attract shorter prison sentences.
Mr Macdonald, a former defence barrister who has represented a number of murderers, said he believed some killers were getting away unpunished because the current law ...