NCJ Number
130896
Date Published
1990
Length
49 pages
Annotation
The sentencing law that took effect in September 1989 in New South Wales, Australia was examined in terms of its effect on the size of the inmate population and on sentencing practices.
Abstract
The law was designed to ensure that both the public and the offenders know exactly when a sentence will begin and when a prisoner will be eligible for parole. The analysis compared the time served and sentences imposed for prisoners sentenced before and after the law took effect. Results showed that the average time served or to be served in custody has increased by 50 days. The inmate population increased is expected to be the greatest from February 1990 to February 1991. In addition, fewer prisoners are receiving periods of community supervision, and the periods are becoming shorter. Finally, the average aggregate sentences have become shorter. Figures and tables