Types of Sentences
A Community Corrections Order is an example of this type of sentence, which does not involve prison time.
What is a non-custodial sentence?
This purpose of sentencing aims to discourage both the offender and the broader public from committing crimes.
What is deterrence?
This Victorian court usually hears summary offences and minor matters.
What is the Magistrates’ Court?
In Australia, the main role of this group is to enforce the law and investigate crimes, not to sentence offenders.
Who are the police?
The toxic substance involved in the 2023 Leongatha lunch case.
What are death cap mushrooms?
Life imprisonment and minimum security prison terms fall under this category of sentencing.
What are custodial sentences?
This purpose focuses on helping an offender reform their behavior so they can re-enter society safely.
What is rehabilitation?
This Victorian court hears serious indictable offences such as armed robbery or serious burglary.
What is the County Court?
In a criminal trial, this group of citizens is tasked with deciding the verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Who is the jury?
The reason Erin Patterson's trial was held in the Supreme Court of Victoria rather than the Magistrates' or County Court.
What is because murder is a serious indictable offence under Supreme Court jurisdiction?
Factors that might lead a judge to give a lighter sentence, such as showing genuine remorse.
What are mitigating factors?
This is NOT one of the five legal purposes of sentencing in Australia.
What is revenge?
Complex trials like murder cases are heard in this highest state court in Victoria.
What is the Supreme Court?
The role of this official in a criminal trial is to interpret the law, manage the trial, and determine the sentence.
Who is the judge?
The reason the charges were classified as murder rather than manslaughter.
What is that prosecutors alleged there was intent to kill or cause serious harm?
Factors that increase the severity of a criminal sentence, such as premeditation or harm caused.
What are aggravating factors?
The purpose of sentencing aimed at keeping dangerous individuals away from society.
What is protection of the community?
Minor traffic violations and petty theft fall under this class of criminal offences
What are summary offences?
An agreement where the accused pleads guilty, often in exchange for a lesser charge or reduced sentence
What is a plea deal?
The specific role the jury played in the 2025 Erin Patterson trial.
What is evaluating the evidence to reach a verdict of guilty on all charges?
The key difference between being eligible for release early under supervision versus serving a full fixed prison term.
What is parole vs. non-parole?
The purpose of sentencing where the court publicly condemns the offender's actions on behalf of society.
What is denunciation?
Serious crimes that carry heavier penalties and are tried in the County or Supreme Courts.
What are indictable offences?
The main legal distinction between murder and manslaughter rests on this element.
What is intent? (or mens rea)
An aggravating factor the judge would likely consider when sentencing in this case.
What is multiple victims / loss of three lives / premeditation?