Sentencing Explained

Parole is an important part of our criminal justice system. It provides offenders with a path to rehabilitation as they transition from the prison system back into the community. But how does parole work?

In this episode, Peter is joined by the Honourable James Wood AO KC. Mr Wood has had a long career in the law, including as the former Chair of the State Parole Authority. They discuss how parole decisions are made, what happens when an offender breaches a parole condition and whether parole actually does reduce re-offending.

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In this episode, we are joined by Magistrate Mark Douglass to talk about his experiences as an Aboriginal magistrate and his perspective on Aboriginal people and the criminal justice system.

Magistrate Douglass discusses how he overcame early life challenges to reach his current position. He shares his hope that the criminal justice system is changing, including through the expansion of culturally-specific processes and his work as Chair of the Local Court’s First Nations Committee.

Please note this episode contains content that some listeners may find distressing, including mentions of domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide. If you want to avoid this content, skip from 1:41 to 3:07 and from 22:35 to 23:36. If you need support, you can contact these services free of charge:

• Beyond Blue: call support services on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
• Lifeline: call the 24-hour crisis line on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au

• FullStop Australia: call 1800 424 017 or visit www.fullstop.org.au
• National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service: call 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732,or visit www.1800respect.org.au

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In this episode we are joined by Darumbal and Gunggari woman Maree Jennings to talk about the Circle Sentencing program. A former community panel member and Project Officer in Circle Sentencing, Maree now works on the operational side of the program with the Department of Communities and Justice.

Listen in to hear about Maree’s experience sitting on Circles, how Circle Sentencing works and why she thinks the program is making a difference to Aboriginal people’s lives.

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In this episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Justice Dina Yehia SC. Justice Yehia was recently appointed to the Supreme Court from the District Court, where she played a key role in setting up the Walama List.

The Walama List is a sentencing procedure in the District Court for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders. Listen in to hear how the Walama List differs from the regular sentencing process and why Justice Yehia found the experience so rewarding.

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Did you know that victims are not a party in criminal proceedings, but are actually witnesses? This week we are joined by Professor Tracey Booth, who is an expert in victim impact statements and victims’ role in sentencing.

In this episode Professor Booth explains how the role of victims in the courtroom has changed over time, and talks about the importance of trauma-informed courts. Listen in to find out what rights victims have in sentencing, and how victim impact statements work.

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What happens when someone is sentenced to prison? What education programs are available to prisoners? What does the day-to-day life of a prisoner look like? In this episode of Sentencing Explained, we sit down with retired Commissioner of Corrective Services and current Sentencing Council member Peter Severin.

 Listen in to find out what happens after someone is sentenced to prison – from when they leave the courtroom to their release back into the community. Former Commissioner Severin also takes us through the prison classification system and discusses how the system responds to prisoner issues and needs.

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What happens when someone appeals their sentence? In this episode we are joined by Justice Robert Beech-Jones, Chief Judge at Common Law in the Supreme Court, and Justice Derek Price, Chief Judge of the District Court, to find out. 

 Our guests talk about when a decision can be appealed, the different types of appeals and the options available to courts when considering an appeal.

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Would it surprise you to learn the NSW Drug Court was established to steer drug-dependent offenders away from prison?

 As Senior Judge Jane Mottley explains, the program is no walk in the park for participants. But it gives them an invaluable opportunity to receive expert support for their drug dependency and take steps towards rehabilitation. Judge Mottley joins Peter in this episode of Sentencing Explained to discuss the Drug Court and the story behind its success.

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Did you know around 90 per cent of the state’s criminal matters begin and end in the Local Court?

In this episode, Peter is joined by Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis to break down sentencing in the Local Court. They discuss sentencing options available to the Court, and unpack how the age, health and character of an offender can affect the final sentencing outcome. Listen in to learn more.

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When a young person breaks the law, there are different considerations at play. The President of the Children’s Court, Judge Ellen Skinner, aims to help young people who come before the Court to get back on the right track.

Peter sits down with President Skinner in this episode to talk about options available to the Children’s Court to reduce reoffending and motivate good behaviour. They touch on youth justice conferences, unique sentencing options available for children and the Court’s approach to youth justice.

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