Meanwhile, Mr Afwerki keeps in existence the so-called Special Court, which he can use to bypass other legal institutions to charge and sentence individuals, technically for corruption.

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Jackson's lawyer, Reid Weingarten, told reporters after the hearing that he would mount a strong legal case for a fair sentence, noting his client is the father of two young children and has the health problems mentioned in court.

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She would have saved money on her legal fees, received a shorter sentence and in the process reduced the pain to her family.

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The trio's legal team had argued that any sentence under which the offender's rehabilitation cannot lead to a review of release breaches articles three, five and seven of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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The sentencing was delayed earlier this month because documents detailing Brown's proposed community service plan in Virginia, where he maintains a legal residence and wants to serve his sentence, had not arrived in time for Schnegg to review.

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Other plans being consulted on include denying prisoners legal aid unless the case relates to their sentence.

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The IPP sentence has now been abolished under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

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Legal experts independent of the case weighed in after the death sentence was handed down.

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However, under the Italian legal system, he and his fellow defendants have the right to appeal their sentence twice, in the appeals court and a higher court.

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