Page last updated at 14:17 GMT, Friday, 25 July 2008 15:17 UK

Do punishments fit the crime?

A woman being mugged
Is a caution enough for some crimes?

Offenders carrying out serious crimes such as violent assault are being cautioned or given fixed penalties.

That is what the BBC has learned from lawyers and magistrates. Do you have experience of this?

The BBC is investigating this issue and would like to hear from you.

The findings will be broadcast on radio programmes and online next week.

Have you been a victim of crime where the offender was given a caution? Has someone received a fixed penalty fine for an offence which you felt was deserving of a more serious punishment? Did the offender admit a lesser crime to the police and receive a caution rather than go to court?


Thank you for your comments. We are no longer looking for contributors.



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