Current sentencing practices do not set boundaries on what a court may reasonably impose as a sentence for arson, and sentences significantly above the median may be appropriate for arson involving occupied commercial and residential premises with multiple victims at risk. A sentencing judge may refer to a co-offender's s 6AAA declaration when articulating the considerations justifying disparity between co-offenders' sentences, without thereby fettering the sentencing discretion. Trial judges may intervene in the jury's presence to prevent ill-advised cross-examination where sending the jury out would be impractical and potentially more prejudicial.
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