Sentencing

Abstract

[Introduction]: Queensland's Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) (the Criminal Code) and other acts set out the punishments which can be imposed for particular offences. The Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld) (PSA) provides sentencing guidelines and a wide range of sentencing options for judges and magistrates dealing with adult offenders. The Juvenile Justice Act 1992 (Old) provides sentencing guidelines and options for the sentencing of juvenile offenders (offenders younger than 17). The Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) (the Crimes Act) and other Commonwealth legislation provide for the sentencing of offenders convicted of Commonwealth offences (in particular ss16A-20 Crimes Act). This section will only discuss the current sentencing options available to the courts under the PSA, under which the majority of sentences are imposed. Section references in this part refer to the PSA unless otherwise indicated.