Sentencing of Sexual Offences

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

Sentencing policy and decision-making is of importance not only to the administration of justice, but also for public confidence and trust. The sentencing of sexual offences is a highly contentious topic which generates considerable public interest, attracting diverse opinions and intense debate. It raises questions about public protection, the harm and seriousness of sexual violence, and the use of punishment to prevent repeat offending. This panel explores how sentencing of sexual offences is perceived by the community, how it is experienced by victim-survivors, whether sentencing trends and judicial remarks have changed over time, and whether certain factors taken into account in sentencing are in need of reform.

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Courts and Sentencing and Penal Decision Making (Sentencing and Penal Decisionmaking WG)

Chair

• Elena Marchetti, Griffith University

Individual Presentations

• Victim/Survivor Views and Experiences of Sentencing for Rape and Other Sexual Offences - Oona Brooks-Hay, University of Glasgow /SCCJR; Michele Jane Burman, University of Glasgow

• Sentencing Sexual Assault and Rape Offences: A Queensland Study of Sentencing Laws and Practices, and Community and Victim-Survivor Views - Elena Marchetti, Griffith University

• Community perspectives on sentencing sexual offences: An Australian research study - Dominique Moritz, University of the Sunshine Coast