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Expert comment on suspended sentences –
The Victorian Opposition plans to scrap suspended sentences and home detention
if elected in November.
RMIT University Adjunct Professor Peter Norden AO says judges need flexibility
and there is a legitimate role for suspended sentences and home detention in the
judicial system.
“Criminal justice policy is not shaped well during a pre-election campaign,” Adjunct
Professor Norden said.
“Suspended sentences may perhaps be overused but abolishing them entirely
would not achieve the aim of cutting crime rates or preventing re-offending.
“There are certain offenders who may deserve jail for their crime but who can
genuinely show special needs to remain in the community, such as a single mother
undertaking a drug rehabilitation program, or someone who is willing to work in
order to pay compensation to a victim.
“It’s about ensuring flexibility in the sentencing process to get the best outcome.
“The inflated cost of an expanded prison population would be better spent on
improving educational outcomes in disadvantaged schools, which would be a more
effective crime prevention strategy.”
What impact would scrapping suspended sentences and home detention have on
Victoria’s prison system?
Are suspended sentences effective in reducing re-offending?
What kind of alternatives could be used by judges in place of suspended
sentences?
Adjunct Professor Norden has 30 years’ experience working in the justice and
prison system.
He is the convenor of the Victorian Criminal Justice Coalition and the former
Victorian prison chaplain.
Adjunct Professor Norden is available for interview on the issues related to the
Victorian Opposition’s proposal to abolish suspended sentences and home
detention.
For interviews: RMIT University’s Adjunct Professor Peter Norden, 0409 040
994.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Gosia
Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
14 January, 2010
NEWS 
