The test for suspension of a sentence of imprisonment under s 38(1) of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA) is solely whether the court thinks 'good reason' exists, even for serious drug-trafficking offences. There is no separate or additional 'exceptional circumstances' test. However, the objective seriousness of commercial drug offending and the weight of general deterrence mean that suspension will in practice be uncommon in such cases. Sentencing judges must also account for time spent in pre-sentence custody.
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