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    Overview

    The law relating to sentencing the criminal offender, including theories of punishment, the mechanics of the sentencing process, the use of probation and psychiatric reports, sentencing alternatives.

    An examination of the principles and practice of sentencing. A key feature of sentencing is that it is discretionary, but the sentencing judge is constrained by the requirements of the Sentencing Act 2002 and by sentencing levels as evidenced in similar cases. Topics will include the nature and purpose of punishment; statutory and judicial sentencing principles; sentencing alternatives; and the mechanics of sentencing - the sentencing and appeal process, including the roles of prosecution and defense counsel.

    About this paper

    Paper title Sentencing
    Subject Law
    EFTS 0.1
    Points 15 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $730.20
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    96 LAWS points
    Pre or Corequisite
    Any 200-level LAWS paper not already passed
    Limited to
    LLB, LLB(Hons)
    Notes
    Not all optional papers will be available in any given year.
    Contact
    law@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    To be confirmed next time this paper is taught.

    Textbooks

    Course readings via eReserve.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Explain the purpose, justifications and limitations of the main theories underlying sentencing law in New Zealand, and how these are applied under the Sentencing Act 2002
    • Describe the forms of sentence available under the Sentencing Act 2002 and evaluate situations in which each sentence might or might not be appropriate
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the process of sentencing an offender in New Zealand, and the information available to the court in this process
    • Explain the purpose, justifications, and limitations of specific sentencing rules under the Sentencing Act 2002
    • Develop an informed opinion on current issues in sentencing

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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