Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Law
Lesson Topic: Sentencing in England and Wales
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the statutory objectives of sentencing under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
  • Distinguish between custodial and non‑custodial sentences and identify core requirements of community orders.
  • Apply the Sentencing Council’s starting‑point framework and adjust it for aggravating and mitigating factors.
  • Analyse relevant case law to justify sentencing decisions.
  • Construct a concise exam answer using the sentencing checklist.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/flowchart.
  • Printed handout of sentencing objectives and checklist.
  • Whiteboard and markers.
  • Case‑law excerpts (digital or printed).
  • Worksheet with sentencing scenarios.
  • Laptop for an interactive quiz.
 Introduction:
Begin with a brief news clip about a recent high‑profile sentencing decision to capture interest. Ask students what factors they think influenced the judge’s decision, linking to prior knowledge of punishment and deterrence. Explain that today they will master the sentencing framework and will be able to produce a structured exam answer.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – students list any sentencing objectives they recall; quick share.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – present statutory objectives, custodial vs non‑custodial sentences, using slides.
  3. Interactive activity (10') – groups match community‑order requirements to their purposes.
  4. Case‑law analysis (10') – small groups examine a case excerpt and identify how aggravating/mitigating factors were applied.
  5. Sentencing flowchart demonstration (10') – teacher walks through the flowchart while students complete a worksheet.
  6. Guided practice (15') – students work on a sample offence, determine the starting point, adjust for factors, and choose an appropriate sentence; teacher circulates.
  7. Checklist recap (5') – whole‑class review of the exam checklist.
  8. Exit ticket (5') – each pupil writes one key point they will include in an exam answer.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the statutory objectives, starting point and factor adjustments combine to shape a sentence. Collect the exit tickets and ask pupils to state the most important factor to consider in a sentencing answer. Homework: complete a timed sentencing question using the checklist and bring it for peer review.