Rebecca Hubbard
Posted: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 9:52 am

The director of public prosecutions has backed calls for different degrees of murder charges.

According to the BBC, Keir Starmer supports the possible introduction, in England and Wales, of first-degree and second-degree murder charges. If the change is successful, the justice system will be similar to that of the US.

The current mandatory life sentence for murder is often criticised as it apparently makes it difficult for juries to decide on differing degrees of culpability in cases.

The government says it is considering recommendations.

The changes proposed could mean that England and Wales justice systems would give first-degree murder with intent to kill a life sentence, whilst second-degree murder, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, will carry a discretionary life sentence. This would also be the case for manslaughter.