A sentencing judge's use of the phrase 'exceptional circumstances' in the context of recording convictions under s 184 of the Youth Justice Act 1992 (Qld) does not necessarily constitute the imposition of an erroneous threshold test; it may be understood as a shorthand reference to the offender's circumstances. The discretion under s 184 requires a balancing of all circumstances, including the mandatory factors, without paramountcy being given to any particular factor.
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