Mandatory sentencing challenged

DARWIN — The Northern Territory Criminal Lawyers Association has backed statements by Magistrate Greg Cavenagh calling for the abolition of mandatory sentencing legislation in the NT.

During a Darwin court hearing Cavenagh said mandatory sentencing led to “absurdities, it’s inhuman, it’s unfair”.

While mandatory sentencing for property crimes was abolished by the territory Labor government in 2001, it remains in force for some drug offenses, assaults and breaches of domestic violence orders.

Newshawk: http://www.tuf.org.au
Pubdate: 24th November 2004
Source: Green Left Weekly
Author: Kathy Newnam
Website: http://www.greenleft.org.au
Email: glw@greenleft.org.au