New General guideline and expanded explanations – in force from 1 October 2019

The new overarching General guideline was published on 24 July 2019. It will appear in a purple colour scheme until it comes into force in all courts in England and Wales on 1 October 2019. It replaces and updates the Seriousness guideline which will be withdrawn when the General guideline comes into force.

The expanded explanations in offence specific guidelines were also published on 24 July 2019 – they are marked as effective from 1 October 2019.