DISCUSSION ABOUT SENTENCING MUST BE INFORMED AND CONSIDERED

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Some of the commentary about the sentence imposed on Kieran Loveridge has been misconceived and unhelpful to any proper discussion of sentencing laws.

Whether this sentence is inadequate will be a question for the New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal. However the judge’s detailed published reasons for imposing the sentence demonstrate that he conscientiously applied himself to the case.

Communities should be encouraged to publicly discuss the appropriate levels of sentencing in an informed and considered way. Often that discussion can be assisted by a responsible criticism of an individual judgment. But it can never be assisted by a personal attack upon an individual judge, as occurred in this case.

The Judicial Conference of Australia is the professional association of judges and magistrates in Australia.

For further information, contact the Judicial Conference of Australia Secretariat.