Sentencing is the process of deciding how to punish someone for one or more offences, in a way that achieves specific purposes, such as deterrence and rehabilitation.
Sentencing only occurs after a court makes a finding of guilt against a person for an offence. A judge or magistrate will identify all the relevant factors about the offence and the offender, consider the significance of each factor, and make a decision about an appropriate sentence.
Sentencing law and practice in Victoria change as new reforms are introduced. We periodically update the information on our website to reflect the changing sentencing environment. Our popular Quick Guide to Sentencing includes more information.
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