In the discussion, you may use the following expressions:

- according to this view the process can be described as…;

- these data show the surprising amount of flexibility and disparity built …;

- each of the sentences above is actually a decision point …;

- not all criminals convicted of the most serious crimes actually go to prison …;

- this disparity occurs …;

- a critical issue …;

- the call for reforming the sentencing process.

Task 1.23 A. Read about the sentencing process in Great Britain and examine table 2 below:

In England and Wales there are no minimum sentences, except for murder, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment. There are maximum sentences for other crimes. Criminal cases are first tried by the Magistrates` court, which can either pass sentences or refer the cases to the Crown court. Here are the maximum sentences for some crimes. The sentences can be reduced for good behaviour, often by one-third or more. “Life sentences” are rarely more than 14 years, and it would be possible to release prisoner after 7 years.

Table 2.

crime			Magistrates’ Court	Crown Court
			Fine Prison	Fine Prison
1	burglary	£1000 6 months		unlimited 14 years
2	grievous bodily harm	£1000 6 months		unlimited 5 years
3	possession of firearm	£1000 6 months		unlimited 5 years
4	possession of cannabis	£1000 6 months		unlimited 5 years
5	common assault	£200 3 months		-
6	going equipped for stealing	£1000 6 months		unlimited 3 years
7	murder	- -		life imprisonment

Task 1.23 B. Work in groups.

Comment on the differences and similarities in the sentencing process of Ukraine, the USA and the UK.

In the discussion, you may use the following forms of agreement and disagreement:

I quite agree! You bet!

That's right! I disagree!

Exactly! I don't think so!

Absolutely! Absolutely wrong!

Just so! Rubbish!

Task 1.24. Write your ideas down about:

1. the policy of criminal sentencing you support;

2. how criminal offenders can be effectively treated so that they can eventually read­just to society;

3. types of incarceration sentences which, in your opinion, would fit in Ukrainian society;

4. the controversy over punishment;

5. the factors influencing sentencing decisions and the reasons for sentencing disparity;

6. justification for all people who commit the same crime receive the same sentence.

You may use some expressions (see Unit IV task 1.44 C) and the following list of transitional words and phrases to connect the paragraphs of your essay:

• on the one hand,

• on the other hand,

• however,

• on the contrary,

• in addition,

• finally,

• in particular, etc.

Task 1.25. Render the following text into English: