Court interpretation need not be perfect and the standard for oral interpretation is lower than for written translation, given the on-the-spot nature of the task. The common understanding that Gaio v The Queen requires 'word for word' interpretation is misconceived — the process involves complex linguistic, cultural and social dimensions. In large-scale drug importations, factors of deterrence override personal mitigating factors, and a non-parole period of 26 years for a shore-based coordinator of a one-tonne cocaine importation (with prior similar conviction and no guilty plea) does not offend the parity principle when co-offenders who pleaded guilty received 18 and 20 years respectively.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 86 later cases that cite this judgment.
27 of the 86 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.