Identifying minimum requirements for the compilation of a criminological pre-sentencing report

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to focus on the evidence based standard principles and minimum requirements for the compilation of a pre-sentencing report in a criminological context and to present a minimum standard guideline based on the perspectives, perceptions and expectations of criminologists in the field of forensic court work and criminal justice professionals with regard to forensic report writing. The contribution also highlights the quest for the professionalisation of criminology and to enhance the prominent role of criminologists in the field of forensic court work. Research results underline the contributing role of the criminologist, as an expert witness in the field of forensic court work, court report writing in the South African judicial system and the importance of a minimum standard guideline for pre-sentencing reports.