Guides to sentencing

The Council has developed two guides to help the community understand the sentencing process.

Queensland sentencing guide

The Queensland sentencing guide (PDF 8.5MB) explores the sentencing process for adults convicted of an offence in Queensland. It contains information on the role of the courts, the laws that guide magistrates and judges in sentencing, the range of sentencing options available and more.

Note: The Council is currently reviewing the Queensland sentencing guide with an update expected in late 2026.

Read the guide (PDF 8.5MB)

Guide to the sentencing of children in Queensland

The Guide to the sentencing of children in Queensland (PDF 2.6MB) delves into the sentencing process for children who have committed offences and reflects current sentencing laws.

Guide to the sentencing of children in Queensland

Read the children's guide (PDF 2.6MB)