The Martannella+ Framework (MF) is a paper which articulates a package of proposed reforms to the criminal justice system, predominantly relating to how we sentence offenders. It goes beyond rhetoric and puts ideas on the table.

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The framework has been written from a perspective outside the criminal justice system, and as such the thoughts within it, and behind it, aren’t overly bound up in how we already do things. The approach has more been to start with a blank sheet of paper and think how we could manage criminality.

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The result is a collection of thoughts and proposals, some of which challenge current thinking and depart considerably from present ways of operating. The paper is intended to spark debate and ultimately, to contribute to making positive changes to the way in which we manage criminality in our society.

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The aims of the framework are to create a safer and more civilised society for ourselves and generations to come; and a criminal justice system which is as fair as it can be on everyone. That means fair on victims of crime, fair on society at large which pays a high cost of crime, and fair to offenders by not only punishing them but properly supporting them to turn their back on further criminal activity.

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The proposals also aim to add deterrent to the commission of first-time crime, and through a substantial reallocation of resources, enable more work to be done pre-emptively, to stop crime happening in the first place.

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It’s incredibly difficult to be fair to all stakeholders. The Martannella+ Framework seeks to do it by applying a carefully considered blend of compassion and pragmatism, whilst remaining firm on those who commit crime.

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Please have a read of the paper. It’s aimed at all in society who have an interest in how we run our criminal justice system.