For some offences, the penalties differ depending on the age of the perpetrator; except in the case of certain offences specifically relating to sexual activity with under-13s, the maximum sentence for a person who was under 18 at the time of the offence is five years' imprisonment, whereas for over-18s the maximum terms range between 10 years and life imprisonment.
The Guardian explains that the U.S. and China have an extradition treaty where "both parties agree to hand over fugitives from each other's criminal justice systems, but either side has the right of refusal in the case of political offences".
4. The measures laid down in points (b) to (e) of paragraph 3 may be doubled in the case of repeated offences, or if the Member refuses to comply with a measure taken under Rule 165(3).
In the case of an offence against the person, it is usually obvious; however, rather more controversial cases have founded constructive manslaughter on drug possession crimes involving the subsequent injection of the drug into another.
In the case of an offence committed by a partnership, Section 15 provides that the prosecution must be brought in the name of the partnership and not in the name of any of the partners.
This reduces the scope for arrests (especially in the case of less serious offences) while encouraging more efficient legal cooperation.
In the case of a third offence, law-breakers may be made to wear a sign reading "I am a litter lout".
12 1 But although in these particulars he showed himself a popular and moderate lawgiver, in the case of an immoderate offence he made the penalty severe.
In the case of Savile, there were five reported offences, from 1979 to 1988, which ranged from sexual assault to rape.
Macdonald told the committee that while prosecutors normally have to use the full test - a realistic prospect of conviction - to charge a suspect, they are able to apply the lower test of "reasonable suspicion" that someone has committed the offence in the case of serious crimes.
