Sentencing and Punishment Flashcards
What is a sentencing hearing?
A hearing following a finding of guilt in which a magistrate or judge will determine the sentence to be given to the accused
What Act is the primary source of sentencing law in NSW?
The Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW)
What is maximum penalty?
The maximum sentence set out available to a court to impose for an offence; rarely handed down
Set by Parliament
What is Judicial Discretion?
The power of a judge or magistrate to make a decision within a range of possibilities based on the particular circumstances of a case
What is Mandatory Sentencing?
REMOVAL OF JUDICIAL DISCRETION BY LEGISLATON by setting a mandatory sentence for a particular offence
What are the 4 main purposes of sentencing?
- Detterence
- Retribution
- Rehabilitation
- Incapacitation
What is a Detterent
Something that dicourages or is intented to discourage someone from doing something
What are the 2 types of Deterrence?
- General
- Specific
Define Specific Deterence
Punishment against an individual offender aiming to deter them from committing crime in the future by showing ‘crime does not pay’
Define General Deterrence
Punishment attempting to make an example of an offender in order to send a message to the rest of the community that the law is serious about punishing people for this offence.
Define Retribution
Punishment considered to be morally right or deserved because of the nature of the crime
Its all about revenge or getting even
Define Incapcitation
Making and offender incapable of committing further offences by restricting freedom
Define Recidivism
Habitual or repeated acts of criminal behaviour after having undergone treatment or punishment to deter such behaviour
What are Aggravating Factors?
Circumstances that make the offence more serious and can lead to an increased sentence
What are Mitigating Factors?
Circumstances that make the offence less severe and can lead to a reduced sentence
What factors must a judge consider in a case?
(In THIS module, there are 6)
- Aggravating Factors
- Mitigating Factors
- Objective and Subjective Factors
- Whether the accused pleaded guilty
- Whether or not the offender assisted law enforcement agenecies
- Victim Impact Statement
What is a Victim Impact Statement?
A statement written by the victim or victim’s family about the impact the crime has had on them, heard at the time of sentencing
Define Gratuitious Violence
Excessive violence carried out without reason, cause or excuse. Doing crime for ‘the fun of it’
When can courts impose maximum sentencing?
When no other alternative punishment is deemed appropriate
What are the 3 types of Appeals?
- Appeal against conviction
- Appeal against a sentence
- All grounds appeal
How are Victim’s rights considered in the appeal process?
They are notified once a Notice of Intention to Appeal is lodged as well as a Notice of Appeal. The NOA provides information such as the date of the court hearing
What is the term when Prosecution appeals on the grounds that the sentence was too lenient?
Sentence is “manifestly inadeqaute”
What is an appeal against conviction?
An appeal where the appellent argues that they did not commit the offence of which they were found guilty
What is an appeal against a sentence?
An appeal against the severity or leniency of a sentence
What is a Caution?
A formal warning without charge issued by police for less serious offences