R v Smith (No 2)

[2014] SASCFC 9

South Australia Full Court

Built by Barristers,
For Australian Law.

See how it works

Interrogate

Catchwords

1. Criminal Law
2. › Sentence
3. › Sentencing orders
4. › Suspended sentence of imprisonment
5. › Breach of conditions of suspension
6. › Whether sentencing judge obliged to extend non-parole period
7. › Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA), s 32(1)(b)
1. Statutes
2. › Interpretation
3. › General approaches to interpretation
4. › Literal interpretation versus purposive construction
5. › Whether mandatory or discretionary obligation
6. › Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA), s 32(1)(b)

Quick Take

Section 32(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988 (SA) confers a discretion on the sentencing judge to extend or refrain from extending a non-parole period when sentencing for a further offence; it does not impose a mandatory obligation. The earlier authority of R v Byron; R v Earley (1992) 59 SASR 132 supports this interpretation and was not considered in Heal v Police or R v Shepperbottom.