Comment on Chief Justice John Doyle's 'Points of Law' contribution to The Advertiser, Saturday 13 December 2003

We should count ourselves fortunate that Chief Justice Doyle should take the time to explain the judicial process of sentencing, especially when the issue is so hotly debated within the media and public.
His careful analysis makes it clear how public opinion can legitimately enter into the field - through impact upon Parliament and its role in law making - and how it should not affect the law: by, for example, swaying judges through its vehemence in particular, well publicised cases. He has also proved greater clarity on the matter of the range of sentences available to judges and the criteria they utilize in order to reach a decision in the each unique case.