8- Overview Of Sanctions

Question 1

Describe a fine.

Answer 1

A fine is a specified sum of money to be paid by the offender. Fines are expressed as a number of penalty units ($151.67 as of July 1, 2015).

Unpaid fines could result in imprisonment or community work.

It can be imposed with or without a conviction.

Question 2

What are the purposes of fines?

Answer 2

• Punishment:
  through financial loss
• Deterrence:
  specific and in general, people would want to avoid a fine
• Denunciation:
  may give a large fine to discourage the crime

Question 3

Describe a drug treatment order.

Answer 3

A drug treatment order is a judicially supervised drug or alcohol treatment program. Treatment lasts for up to 2 years, then may be followed by imprisonment.

It is imposed with a conviction and ordered by the Drug Court.

Question 4

What are the purposes of a drug treatment order?

Answer 4

• Rehabilitation:
  though the treatment program
• Punishment:
  drug treatment orders are considered more difficult than prison
• Deterrence:
  discourages reoffences

Question 5

Describe imprisonment

Answer 5

Offender is imprisoned and denied their liberty. The term may be served concurrently (same time) or cumulatively (added together).

The Sentencing Act 1991 establishes the conditions of imprisonment.

A conviction is recorded.

Question 6

What are the purposes of imprisonment?

Answer 6

• Punishment:
  loss of offender’s freedom / Liberty
• Deterrence:
  general, to avoid prison
  specific, to avoid returning to prison
• Protection:
  threat physically removed from society
• Denunciation:
  court imposes longer sentences to demonstrate disapproval