December 12, 2007: Reviewing The Law On Murder

The Ministry of Justice has announced the next step in the first comprehensive review of murder law for 50 years. The former Home Secretary had announced plans for a review of murder in October 2004.The Government is now seeking views on recommendations put forward by the Law Commission following the 2006 publication of its report, 'Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide'. It will initially be looking at the Law Commission's proposals for:

• reformed partial defences to murder of provocation and diminished responsibility;
• reformed offences of complicity in relation to homicide;
• improved procedures for dealing with infanticide.

Specialists and key stakeholders from within and outside the criminal justice system will discuss the Law Commission's recommendations over several months. Where changes to the law are considered necessary, draft clauses will be published for consultation next summer. Justice Minister, Maria Eagle, said:

'Murder is the most serious crime and it is essential that the law reflects this. The Government remains committed to retaining the mandatory life sentence and the sentencing principles for murder set out in the Criminal Justice Act 2003. This stage of the Review will look at specific aspects of the operation of the law of murder to ensure that it protects the public and provides appropriate levels of punishment for those found guilty.'

'The law needs to be clear and fair so that people have confidence in the criminal justice system. We want to have an open and inclusive debate on the issues before we bring forward firm proposals on how the law should be reformed.