The constitutionality of minimum mandatory sentencing provisions
Article
Article Title | The constitutionality of minimum mandatory sentencing provisions |
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ERA Journal ID | 35442 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Gray, Anthony and Elmore, Gerard |
Journal Title | Journal of Judicial Administration |
Journal Citation | 22 (1), pp. 37-47 |
Number of Pages | 11 |
Year | 2012 |
Place of Publication | Sydney, Australia |
ISSN | 1036-7918 |
Web Address (URL) | http://sites.thomsonreuters.com.au/journals/category/journal-of-judicial-administration/ |
Abstract | This paper considers the increasing use of minimum mandatory sentencing provisions in Australian law. A prime example is the provisions in the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) dealing with so-called people smugglers, imposing minimum penalties of up to eight years' imprisonment. The paper argues that by significantly limiting judicial discretion in such a way and by not allowing judges to take into account mitigating factors in a way they normally would, the provisions undermine the separation of powers for which the Constitution provides, raising Kable type arguments against the validity of such provisions, as well as rule of law concerns, in that minimum mandatory sentencing creates the possibility of arbitrary exercise of power against an individual. |
Keywords | mandatory sentencing, Kable, separation of powers, rule of law |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 480702. Constitutional law |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | School of Law |
University of Southern Queensland | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q165q/the-constitutionality-of-minimum-mandatory-sentencing-provisions
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