Ineffective one-punch mandatory sentences should be scrapped, says Law Council

Jane Lee reports in the Brisbane Times (14.4.16) on calls from the Law Council of Australia for states to repeal mandatory sentencing laws for so-called ‘one-punch’ assaults, arguing that they do nothing to deter such offences.

‘Lawyers are calling for mandatory minimum sentences for ‘one punch’ homicides to be scrapped, arguing that they are not working to prevent violent crime and can have unjust outcomes.

‘NSW and Victoria both introduced mandatory minimum prison terms for causing deaths with a single strike in 2014, following high-profile deaths in each state.

‘… The Law Council of Australia will tell a Senate inquiry on Friday that all mandatory minimum penalties for drunken violence offences should be repealed, saying there is no evidence they help reduce crime.’

• Ineffective one-punch mandatory sentences should be scrapped »
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