Domestic or spousal murders do not constitute a less heinous category of murder attracting a particular sentencing range. The principles of general deterrence, denunciation and just punishment will ordinarily be given primacy in sentencing for the murder of a domestic partner, even where provocation or great emotional stress is present. A non-parole period exceeding 80 per cent of the head sentence for murder does not of itself bespeak error, as the common ratios applicable to lesser offences are generally unlikely to be appropriate for murder and other serious crimes attracting long head sentences.
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