How do judges sentence? This question is frequently asked but infrequently explored. What factors are taken into account? How do judges see their role? How do they apply the aims and purposes of sentencing? How are factors such as public opinion taken into account?

How Judges Sentence explores these questions through interviews with Queensland judges. The judges explain how they come to their decisions when sentencing, how they view judicial discretion, and how they exercise it. The book carefully examines their comments within the legislative and theoretical contexts of sentencing. The analysis yields valuable insights into judicial methodologies, perceptions, and attitudes towards the sentencing process.

How Judges Sentence provides a major contribution to debates on sentencing.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Introduction
CHAPTER 2: Judges and the Sentencing Process
CHAPTER 3: Sentencing and Judicial Discretion
CHAPTER 4: Sentencing Aims and Purposes
CHAPTER 5: On Law and Order, Public Opinion and the Media
CHAPTER 6: A Question of Balance

"A new book on sentencing holds something for all criminal practitioners and judges. A delightfully succinct and well-written book . . . There are many witty insights into judicial reasoning on sentencing based on actual comments from judges in the interviews conducted by the author."
-- Queensland Bar News