The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council has proposed a series of changes to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld) to address community concerns over lenient sentencing.
Proposed reforms include creating a new sentencing guideline specifically for domestic violence offences, introducing community impact statements, and improving transparency around non-parole periods.
Further, “good character” evidence is set to be limited as part of the reform of how sexual violence cases are sentenced.
Focus on Victim Impact and Community Expectations
The reforms are designed to better reflect the harm suffered by victims and give communities a greater voice in the justice process. This includes stronger provisions for victim submissions and proposals to broadcast certain sentencing hearings. Overly prescriptive guidelines could limit judicial discretion and result in harsher outcomes for disadvantaged defendants, including those with mental health issues or Indigenous backgrounds.
Legal Implication for Defendants
This may mean greater emphasis on pre-sentence material and proactive engagement with therapeutic or rehabilitative services. Character references and psychological reports will become increasingly relevant.
Defendants facing serious charges should be aware of potential legislative changes that may affect their sentencing outcomes.
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