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