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Criminal Justice Act 2003
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Criminal Justice Act 2003, Cross Heading: Preliminary is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes to Legislation
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Changes and effects yet to be applied to Part 12 Chapter 6 Crossheading Preliminary:
- specified provision(s) amendment to earlier commencing SI 2012/2574, Sch. by S.I. 2012/2761 art. 2
Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
- s. 150(aa) inserted by 2012 c. 10 Sch. 26 para. 19(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 26 para. 19 omitted (11.12.2013) by virtue of 2013 c. 22, Sch. 16 para. 23(2); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 2(d))
- s. 150(ba) inserted by 2012 c. 10 Sch. 26 para. 19(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 26 para. 19 omitted (11.12.2013) by virtue of 2013 c. 22, Sch. 16 para. 23(2); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 2(d))
- s. 151(A1) inserted by 2008 c. 4 s. 11(3)
- s. 151(1A) inserted by 2008 c. 4 s. 11(5)
- s. 151(1A)(b) word substituted by 2008 c. 4 Sch. 4 para. 76(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 151(1A) is still only prospectively inserted by 2008 c. 4, s. 11(5))
- s. 151(1A)(c) substituted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 151(1A) is still only prospectively inserted by 2008 c. 4, s. 11(5))
- s. 151(2A)(b) substituted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(4)
- s. 151(4A) inserted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(5)
- s. 151(8)(a) words substituted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(6)(a)
- s. 151(8)(b) words inserted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(6)(b)(i)
- s. 151(8)(b) words substituted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(6)(b)(ii)
- s. 151(8)(c)-(f) inserted by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 17 para. 8(6)(c)
- s. 165(5) inserted by 2014 c. 12 s. 179(3)
- s. 237(1A) inserted by 2006 c. 48 s. 34(3)
- s. 237(1B)(f)(g) inserted by 2021 c. 11 Sch. 13 para. 40(b)
- s. 239A inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 8(1)
- s. 239A cross-heading inserted by 2015 c. 2 Sch. 3 para. 5
- s. 250(5C) inserted by 2015 c. 2 Sch. 3 para. 7(4)
- s. 255A(4A) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(2)
- s. 255B(3A) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(3)(b)
- s. 255B(4A)-(4C) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(3)(d)
- s. 255C(3A) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(4)(b)
- s. 255C(4A)-(4C) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(4)(d)
- s. 256A(1)-(1B) substituted for s. 256A(1) by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(6)(a)
- s. 256A(4A)(4B) inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(6)(f)
- s. 256A(5)(6) substituted for s. 256A(5) by 2015 c. 2 s. 9(6)(g)
- s. 256AZA inserted by 2015 c. 2 s. 10(1)
- s. 257(3) inserted by 2006 c. 48 s. 34(4)
- s. 258(1A) inserted by 2006 c. 48 s. 34(5)
- s. 260(4)(aa) substituted for word by 2008 c. 4 s. 34(7)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 34(2)(4)(b)(7)(10) omitted (3.12.2012) by virtue of 2012 c. 10, s. 118(4)(b); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d))
- Sch. 15B para. 49A omitted by S.I. 2019/780 reg. 26(4)(c) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 21, 25, 26, 27, 30 revoked (1.12.2020) by 2020 c. 17, Sch. 28; S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2)
- Sch. 15B para. 49B omitted by S.I. 2019/780 reg. 26(4)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Regs. 21, 25, 26, 27, 30 revoked (1.12.2020) by 2020 c. 17, Sch. 28; S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2)
- Sch. 20B para. 34(6)(7) substituted for Sch. 20B para. 34(6) by 2015 c. 2 Sch. 3 para. 10
PreliminaryE+W
237Meaning of “fixed-term prisoner” [F1etc]E+W
(1)In this Chapter “fixed-term prisoner” means—
(a)a person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a determinate term, or
(b)a person serving a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 [F2or 96] of [F3the PCC(S)A 2000, under] section [F4226A, 226B,] [F5227 ][F6, 228 or 236A] of this Act [F7or under section 250 [F8, 252A], 254, 262, 265, [F9266 or 268A] of the Sentencing Code].
[F10and “fixed-term sentence” means a sentence falling within paragraph (a) or (b).]
[F11(1B)In this Chapter—
(a)references to a sentence of imprisonment include such a sentence passed by a service court;
[F12(aa)references to a sentence of detention under section 262 of the Sentencing Code include a sentence of detention in a young offender institution under section 210B of the Armed Forces Act 2006;]
(b)references to a sentence of detention under [F13section 91 of the PCC(S)A 2000 or section 250 of the Sentencing Code] include a sentence of detention under section 209 of the Armed Forces Act 2006;
[F14(ba)references to a sentence under section 226A of this Act [F15or section 266 or 279 of the Sentencing Code] include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 219A of the Armed Forces Act 2006;
(bb)references to a sentence under section 226B of this Act [F16or section 254 of the Sentencing Code] include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 221A of the Armed Forces Act 2006;]
(c)references to a sentence under section 227 of this Act include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 220 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 [F17or section 240A]; F18...
(d)references to a sentence under section 228 of this Act include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 222 of that Act[F19, and
(e)references to a sentence under section 236A of this Act [F20or section 265 or 278 of the Sentencing Code] include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 224A of that Act.]
(1C)Nothing in subsection (1B) has the effect that [F21section 240ZA] or 265 [F22of this Act or section 225 of the Sentencing Code] (provision equivalent to which is made by the Armed Forces Act 2006) [F23or section 240A] applies to a service court.]
(2)In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “prisoner” includes a person serving a sentence falling within subsection (1)(b); and “prison” includes any place where a person serving such a sentence is liable to be detained.
[F24(3)In this Chapter, references to a sentence of detention under section 96 of [F25the PCC(S)A 2000, under] section [F26226A][F27, 227 or 236A] of this Act [F28or under section 262, 265 [F29, 266 or 268A] of the Sentencing Code] are references to a sentence of detention in a young offender institution.]
Textual Amendments
F1Word in s. 237 heading inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 219; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
F2Words in s. 237(1)(b) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 117(2)(a), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)
F3Words in s. 237(1)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(2)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F4Words in s. 237(1)(b) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 20 para. 2(2); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(r)
F5Words in s. 237(1)(b) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 117(2)(b), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)
F6Words in s. 237(1)(b) substituted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(2); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 72
F7Words in s. 237(1)(b) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(2)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F8Word in s. 237(1)(b) inserted (30.4.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(1)(i), Sch. 13 para. 21(2)
F9Words in s. 237(1)(b) substituted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(2)(a)
F10Words in s. 237(1) inserted (1.2.2015) by Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 (c. 11), ss. 2(3), 22(1) (with Sch. 7 para. 2); S.I. 2015/40, art. 2(b)
F11S. 237(1B)(1C) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 219; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
F12S. 237(1B)(aa) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), s. 208(5)(aa), Sch. 21 para. 12
F13Words in s. 237(1B)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(3)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F14S. 237(1B)(ba)(bb) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 22 para. 21; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(t)
F15Words in s. 237(1B)(ba) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(3)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F16Words in s. 237(1B)(bb) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(3)(c) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F17Words in s. 237(1B) inserted (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 21(2), 153; S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(a)
F18Word in s. 237(1B)(c) omitted (13.4.2015) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(3)(a); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 72
F19S. 237(1B)(e) and word inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(3)(b); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 72
F20Words in s. 237(1B)(e) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(3)(d) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F21Words in s. 237(1C) substituted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 110(2)(a), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)
F22Words in s. 237(1C) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(4) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F23Words in s. 237(1C) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 110(2)(b), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)
F24S. 237(3) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 117(3), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)
F25Words in s. 237(3) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(5)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F26Words in s. 237(3) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 20 para. 2(3); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(r)
F27Words in s. 237(3) substituted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(4); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 72
F28Words in s. 237(3) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 218(5)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
F29Words in s. 237(3) substituted (29.6.2021) by Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 (c. 11), s. 50(2)(v), Sch. 13 para. 9(2)(b)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 237(1B) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(3), 205, Sch. 1 para. 53(8)
Commencement Information
I1S. 237 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 237 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 237 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 237 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)
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