- Crime victims to be allowed to suggest sentences in SA
- The Herald Sun
- 28/10/2008 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: The Rooster ( 264 articles in 2008 )
VICTIMS of crime in South Australia will get the right to suggest sentences under changes to laws proposed by the State Government.
Under its revamped Victims of Crime Bill, the Government said a court would be bound to consider the suggested penalty, just as it took into account suggestions from the prosecution and the defence.
Premier Mike Rann said the legislation was the first of its kind in the world and would ensure justice for victims.
"This legislation is unparalleled in the rest of Australia and the world,'' the Premier said.
"The groundbreaking laws, coupled with previous reforms, will change the face of justice for victims in SA.''
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said victims would get assistance with determining a possible sentence, including guidance on what an appropriate penalty might be.
The proposal would extend to the relatives of murder victims.
Mr Atkinson said other changes to the legislation would force judges to consider imposing a restraining order on sex offenders to prevent them contacting their victims.
The legislation would also allow victims to read an impact statement to an accused person who had been found not guilty because of mental incompetence
Under its revamped Victims of Crime Bill, the Government said a court would be bound to consider the suggested penalty, just as it took into account suggestions from the prosecution and the defence.
Premier Mike Rann said the legislation was the first of its kind in the world and would ensure justice for victims.
"This legislation is unparalleled in the rest of Australia and the world,'' the Premier said.
"The groundbreaking laws, coupled with previous reforms, will change the face of justice for victims in SA.''
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said victims would get assistance with determining a possible sentence, including guidance on what an appropriate penalty might be.
The proposal would extend to the relatives of murder victims.
Mr Atkinson said other changes to the legislation would force judges to consider imposing a restraining order on sex offenders to prevent them contacting their victims.
The legislation would also allow victims to read an impact statement to an accused person who had been found not guilty because of mental incompetence
Source: https://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24564955-5005961,00.html
1Will not be visible to public.
2Receive notification of other comments posted for this article. To cease notification after having posted click here.
3To make a link clickable in the comments box enclose in link tags - ie.<link>Link</link>.
4To show an image enclose the image URL in tags - ie.<image>https://fredspage.com/box.jpg</image>. Note: image may be resized if too large
To further have your say, head to our forum Click Here
To contribute a news article Click Here
To view or contribute a Quote Click Here