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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Reduced sentences for offenders who ‘co-operate’

ACT COURTS will reduce sentences for offenders who co-operate with the justice system, under new legislation passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly.
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Attorney General Simon Corbell says powers introduced in the Crimes (Sentencing) Amendment Bill 2013 will “ensure trials are focused on the real issues” and improve efficiency.

“We know that the inefficient use of time and resources in the criminal justice system contributes to court delays,” Mr Corbell said.

“The Bill that was passed today allows a court to impose a reduced sentence where an offender has helped the administration of justice.”

Examples of defendant conduct that could trigger a reduction include pre-trial disclosures, disclosures made during trial or otherwise, admissions, and an early indication of which elements of an offence are an issue.

The court will also be required to give a statement where it imposes a lesser penalty, outlining the penalty it would have imposed and the reason for imposing the lesser penalty.

Similar provisions exist in New South Wales and the case law there will serve as a guide to the ACT judiciary in applying the new provisions.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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