Purposes of sentencing

The purposes for which a court can sentence an offender under NSW law are to:

  • ensure that the offender is adequately punished for the offence
  • prevent crime by preventing the offender and other persons from committing similar offences
  • protect the community from the offender
  • promote the rehabilitation of the offender
  • make the offender responsible (accountable) for his or her actions
  • condemn (denounce) the conduct of the offender
  • recognise the harm done to the victim of the crime and the community.
Last updated:

01 Nov 2022

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We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians of this land.

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