An exploration of the potential negative effects of using community service orders as an alternative to imprisonment for fine defaulters

The article discusses the changes that were made by the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 (which commenced on January 11, 2016). It critically examines certain provisions contained in the Act, in particular the provision allowing for community service orders to be used as an alternative to imprisonment for non-payment of a fine. This is done in order to identify and explore the potential negative effects which might arise from the operation of this new provision.