2
February 2012
The
Chief Judge of the District Court, Chief Judge Terry Worthington, has today
issued this statement to the media:
“Members
of the community are entitled to criticize a sentence for any offence committed
against the community, including firearms offences. It should be done in a
balanced way.
Recent
comments by the police about sentences for firearms offences, especially in the
District Court, have not been as helpful as they could have been because they do
not acknowledge that sentencing is complex.
Courts
are here to do more than what the police might think is appropriate.
A
judge must look at all relevant pros and cons and tailor the sentence to the
individual case. Depending on the type of case, there can be more than 20
categories of things that have to be considered, including public safety.
There
is no one size that fits all; sentences will vary. If any party is unhappy with
a sentence they can consider an appeal.
Judges
act on what is put before them in a case.”
Issued
by Sylvia Kriven, Media and Communications Manager, CAA
Please
note that there will not be further comment or interview given.
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