Sentencing factors

Aggravating factors

Circumstances that support a harsher penalty in a sentencing decision.

Mitigating factors

Circumstances that support a lighter penalty in a sentencing decision.

Guilty plea

A formal admission of guilt, which can result in a lighter penalty if made earlier in the judicial process.

Victim Impact Statements

Statements from victims that typically support a harsher penalty against the offender.

Vulnerability of victim

A factor that can aggravate a sentencing outcome based on the victim's susceptibility.

Position of trust or authority of offender

An aggravating factor where the offender held a position that exploited a trust relationship.

Offence motivated by hatred or prejudice

When the crime was inspired by bias against a social group, serving as an aggravating factor.

Remorse of offender

A mitigating factor reflecting the offender's regret for their actions.

First offence

The fact that the offender is committing a crime for the first time, often considered a mitigating factor.

Provocation

A controversial mitigating factor where the offender's actions were provoked, although it may lead to victim blaming.