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Disproportionate Sentences as Human Rights Violations
Author(s) -
Van Zyl Smit Dirk,
Ashworth Andrew
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the modern law review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1468-2230
pISSN - 0026-7961
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2230.2004.00499.x
Subject(s) - jurisprudence , human rights , meaning (existential) , sentence , constitution , law , political science , charter , fundamental rights , european union , original meaning , linguistics , philosophy , business , epistemology , economic policy
The article explores the concepts of disproportionality and gross disproportionality in sentencing. Several constitutions or human rights documents prohibit grossly disproportionate sentences, either expressly or impliedly. The draft constitution of the European Union has a Charter of Fundamental Rights that includes the right not to be subjected to a disproportionate sentence. The possible meaning and application of this are discussed by reference to the development of related constitutional jurisprudence in other jurisdictions.