Title
Title
Criminal Procedure: Use of Risk/Needs Assessments at Sentencing (Action Required)
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Summary
Summary
The Criminal Law Advisory Committee recommends approval of a new standard of judicial administration. The new standard provides guidance to judges on the appropriate uses of the results of risk/needs assessments at criminal sentencing.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
The Criminal Law Advisory Committee recommends that the Judicial Council approve new standard 4.35 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration, effective January 1, 2018, to:
1. 1.State the purposes for using the results of risk/needs assessments at sentencing;
2. 2.Identify proper and improper uses of the results of risk/needs assessments at sentencing;
3. 3.Recommend the validation of risk/needs assessment instruments;
4. Provide guidance on the use of the results of a risk/needs assessment in evaluating a defendant’s amenability to or suitability for supervision; and
5. Recommend education on risk/needs assessments.