Sentencing Matters

Teens across Queensland who share explicit images using smartphones, social networks and game consoles may be committing an offence. This could not only lead to cyberbullying but also a criminal record. Over the last decade more than 1500 young people under 17 years of age have been cautioned or conferenced by Queensland Police for child exploitation material offences — the majority for sexting. Our seminar discussed the issue of teen sexting from all sides: victims, perpetrators and the criminal justice system kicking off with the real-life story of a 15-year-old boy unwittingly caught up in sexting. Our panel of experts provide insight into this type of incident, how it can be prevented and how, if left unaddressed, it can quickly escalate and hold significant consequences for young people. Panel members: — Helen Watkins, Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council — Wayne Steinhardt, Queensland Police Service — Rob Priddey, Cybersafety Team, Department of Education — Prof Mark Kebbell, Griffith Criminology

Sentencing for criminal offences arising from the death of a child — Final report

Listen to the latest edition of our podcast Sentencing Matters, where we talk to Professor Lorana Bartels from the University of Canberra about the use of community correction orders. Prof Bartels undertakes research in criminal law and criminology, with a particular focus on sentencing and corrections. The podcast looks at how community correction orders are not being widely utilised by judicial officers — and asks how uptake could be improved. Prof Bartels takes us through how appropriate use of these orders can lead to better outcomes for offenders and the community as a whole, while also alleviating rising prison populations and costs.

Listen to the latest edition of our podcast Sentencing Matters, where we talk to Deputy President of the Queensland Parole Board Julie Sharp about the broad range of backgrounds and experience represented and how the Parole Board makes decisions. The conversation focuses on the range of factors considered when determining a person’s suitability for parole and that community safety is the top priority for the Parole Board.