Reminder: submissions on early guilty pleas due on 21 June

09/05/2013

The NSW Law Reform Commission is seeking preliminary submissions on encouraging appropriate early guilty pleas. Submissions regarding all relevant areas of the law and practice are welcome and can be sent by post, DX or email. Submissions are normally published on the NSWLRC website, but confidentiality can be requested. The closing date for submissions is Friday 21 June, 2013. If you have any questions about the process please call Sallie McLean 8061 9265 or email sallie_mclean@agd.nsw.gov.au

The terms of reference are:

_Refer to the Law Reform Commission an inquiry, pursuant to section 10 of the Law Reform Commission Act 1967, aimed at encouraging early pleas of guilty in indictable criminal matters. Specifically, the Commission is to identify opportunities for legislative and operational reforms to encourage appropriate early pleas of guilty in indictable criminal proceedings. _

_In undertaking this review the Commission should have regard to: _

• The organisational capacities and arrangements for the courts, police, prosecution and defence
• The Trial Efficiency Working Group
• _Developments in Australia and overseas _
• Any related matters the Commission considers appropriate

The commission is aware that much work has been undertaken in this area. It is interested to receive submissions that will help it identify legislative and operational opportunities to encourage appropriate early guilty pleas. Submissions are particularly welcome on innovative ideas (not necessarily fully worked through), or developments in other jurisdictions, that may point to future opportunities.

3 June�2013