NCJ Number
144156
Journal
Sentencing Trends Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The impact of the Sentencing Act 1989 on sentencing in the District and higher courts in New South Wales, Australia was studied using data from the Judicial Commission's computerized information system containing data on court appearances of offenders convicted in the local and higher courts since 1988.
Abstract
The law sought to achieve public confidence in the sentencing process by establishing "truth in sentencing." It took effect on September 25, 1989. The data included 10,853 records, including 5,672 relating to court appearances during the 21 months before the law was introduced and 5,181 during the 21 months after the law took effect. Results supported earlier studies' findings revealing that the law has affected sentencing patterns. In the higher courts, the proportionate use of imprisonment declined slightly, while the use of both periodic detention and community service orders increased. This findings may suggest that the law has increased the recognition that imprisonment should be used as a sanction of last resort. The law and other law reforms related to alternative sentencing have produced a substantial effect. Nevertheless, findings also suggest that a widening of the net of social control also continues to take place. Figure, tables and notes