Courts given greater say in sentences on appeal

13/07/2009

Attorney General John Hatzistergos has foreshadowed legislation that will withdraw the principle of 'double jeopardy' as it applies to sentencing in Crown appeals.

"The reform will have the effect of giving judges of higher courts, such as the Court of Criminal Appeal, greater discretion in determining sentences on appeal where an original sentence may have been inadequate," the attorney said.

The attorney said the reform is part of a national approach recommended by the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) Working Group on Double Jeopardy.

**13 July 2009 **