Victorian Bar Media Release - Victorian Bar opposes mandatory sentencing

"All Victorians are appalled by attacks on emergency services workers, who have the right to go about their work in a safe environment," said Dr Matt Collins QC, President of the Victorian Bar.

"However, populist, 'tough on crime' responses by our politicians are an unprincipled race to the bottom. Mandatory sentencing and reducing judicial discretion deprive our judges and magistrates of the ability to dispense justice in the circumstances of the particular case, bringing their experience and wisdom to the complicated task of balancing punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation and fairness. 

"The Victorian Bar calls on all sides of politics to respect the independence of the State's hard working judicial officers, who are best placed to resolve the many competing and subtle factors at play in any given case," he said.