Online pathway helps victims understand sentencing in Queensland

The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (the Council) is encouraging victims of crime, their families and support networks to access the new Sentencing Pathway developed by the Office of the Victims' Commissioner to help victims better understand the sentencing process in Queensland.

The Sentencing Pathway was developed following feedback from victims who reported feeling uncertain about how sentencing decisions are made by the courts, what factors are considered during sentencing, and what different types of sentences mean.

Designed in plain language, the pathway helps victims better understand how sentencing works in Queensland.

It provides information about the sentencing process, what happens at a sentencing hearing, Victim Impact Statements, legal terminology, different sentencing outcomes, what happens after sentencing, and available support services.

The Council assisted the Office of the Victims' Commissioner during their development of the Sentencing Pathway, contributing its expertise in sentencing law and community education.

The pathway is designed to be completed at a user's own pace and can be accessed on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. Users can also save or print the pathway for future reference.

The Understanding Sentencing pathway is available here.