Prepare a report that explains the use of mandatory sentencing in Western Australia.

Assessment Instructions:

Your report should be between 1500 and 1800 words

Report Format. Please use the template provided in the Assessment section of

Blackboard. Your document should be 1.5 space and should follow the format provided in

the template. Please note the referencing requirements. Avoid the use of first person

narrative (I, me, my, etc).

Your report should include:

An explanation of what mandatory sentencing is and the general reasons for

its introduction.

A description of the offences where mandatory sentencing is applied in

Western Australia, making reference to the relevant legislation.

A discussion of the benefits of mandatory sentencing, including arguments in

favour of reducing the degree of discretion for judges to consider the specific

circumstances of each case (as outlined in relevant legal and criminological journals);

A discussion of the criticisms of mandatory sentencing, including arguments

against reducing the degree of discretion for judges to consider the specific circumstances

of each case (as outlined in relevant legal and criminological journals);

A conclusion regarding mandatory sentencing, including its purpose, benefits

and criticisms and whether the use of mandatory sentencing should continue in Western

Australia. Note: Your conclusion and recommendations should be logically drawn from the

information you have discussed.