How judges sentence

Abstract

How judges sentence is a question frequently asked, but infrequently explored. What factors are taken into account? How do judges see their role? How do they apply the aims and purposes of sentencing? How are factors such as public opinion taken into account? Through interviews with Queensland judges, this book explores these questions, and through this analysis provides a major contribution to debates on sentencing. The judges explain how they come to their decisions when sentencing, how they view judicial discretion, and how they exercise it. This careful examination of their comments within the legislative and theoretical contexts of sentencing, yields valuable insights into judicial methodologies, perceptions and attitudes towards the sentencing process.