An insight into parole with the Hon James Wood AO KC

Parole is an important part of our criminal justice system. It provides offenders with a path to rehabilitation as they transition from the prison system back into the community. But how does parole work? In this episode, Peter is joined by the Honourable James Wood AO KC. Mr Wood has had a long c…

Aboriginal people and the criminal justice system with Magistrate Douglass

In this episode, we are joined by Magistrate Mark Douglass to talk about his experiences as an Aboriginal magistrate and his perspective on Aboriginal people and the criminal justice system. Magistrate Douglass discusses how he overcame early life challenges to reach his current position. He share…

Circle Sentencing with Maree Jennings

In this episode we are joined by Darumbal and Gunggari woman Maree Jennings to talk about the Circle Sentencing program. A former community panel member and Project Officer in Circle Sentencing, Maree now works on the operational side of the program with the Department of Communities and Justice. …

Sentencing Aboriginal offenders on the Walama List with Justice Dina Yehia

In this episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Justice Dina Yehia SC. Justice Yehia was recently appointed to the Supreme Court from the District Court, where she played a key role in setting up the Walama List. The Walama List is a sentencing procedure in the District Court for eligibl…

Exploring victims’ rights and experiences in sentencing with Professor Tracey Booth

Did you know that victims are not a party in criminal proceedings, but are actually witnesses? This week we are joined by Professor Tracey Booth, who is an expert in victim impact statements and victims’ role in sentencing. In this episode Professor Booth explains how the role of victims in the co…

Prison and community corrections with retired Commissioner of Corrective Services Peter Severin

What happens when someone is sentenced to prison? What education programs are available to prisoners? What does the day-to-day life of a prisoner look like? In this episode of Sentencing Explained, we sit down with retired Commissioner of Corrective Services and current Sentencing Council member Pe…

Spotlight on the appeals process with Justices Robert Beech-Jones and Derek Price

What happens when someone appeals their sentence? In this episode we are joined by Justice Robert Beech-Jones, Chief Judge at Common Law in the Supreme Court, and Justice Derek Price, Chief Judge of the District Court, to find out.  Our guests talk about when a decision can be appealed, the differ…

Delving into the Drug Court with Senior Judge Jane Mottley

Would it surprise you to learn the NSW Drug Court was established to steer drug-dependent offenders away from prison? As Senior Judge Jane Mottley explains, the program is no walk in the park for participants. But it gives them an invaluable opportunity to receive expert support for their drug dep…

Sentencing in the Local Court with Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis

Did you know around 90 per cent of the state’s criminal matters begin and end in the Local Court? In this episode, Peter is joined by Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis to break down sentencing in the Local Court. They discuss sentencing options available to the Court, and unpack how the age…

Youth justice and sentencing with Children’s Court President Ellen Skinner

When a young person breaks the law, there are different considerations at play. The President of the Children’s Court, Judge Ellen Skinner, aims to help young people who come before the Court to get back on the right track. Peter sits down with President Skinner in this episode to talk about optio…