Sentencing Advisory Council
Last Updated in 2016
Field of Law
Stage of Career
Contact Details
Address: 3/333 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 9603 9047 or 1300 363 196
Visit the Sentencing Advisory Council website
Contact person: Sarah Lappin
Email: contact@sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au
Description of Organisation
Section 108C of the Sentencing Act 1991 provides that the functions of the Council are to:
- provide statistical information on sentencing, including information on current sentencing practices to members of the judiciary and other interested persons
- conduct research and disseminate information to members of the judiciary and other interested persons on sentencing matters
- gauge public opinion on sentencing
- consult on sentencing matters with government departments and other interested persons and bodies as well as the general public
- advise the Attorney-General on sentencing issues
- provide the Court of Appeal with the Council's written views on the giving, or review, of a guideline judgment.
In addition to establishing the Council, the government also amended the Sentencing Act 1991 to allow the Court of Appeal to deliver guideline judgments.
The Council is an advisory body rather than a review body. The Council therefore does not review sentencing outcomes in individual cases
Number of legal positions within organisation: 4
Information for secondary schools
Do you host school trips or send speakers to schools?
No, but we have an award-shortlisted online education resource ‘Virtual You be the Judge' and updated teaching materials for teachers and students at Years 9-10 VELS and Years 11-12 Legal Studies on our Resources for Teachers page
Contact person for school trip and/or speakers: Education and Online Engagement Coordinator
Information for university students/graduates
Do you have a graduate clerkship program? (involving practical legal training and admission to practise)
No
What sort of volunteer/work experience opportunities are available?
None.
Information for practising lawyers
What are you looking for in a permanent employee?
- Strong communication skills
- Legal policy skills
- An ability to collaborate with people from other disciplines (including criminologists and data analysts)
On average, how many positions become available per year?
As we are a small organisation, legal policy positions arise infrequently.
Where do you advertise your positions?
The Careers page on the Victorian Government website and seek.com.au
Do you use a recruitment agency?
No
