Soft courts just myth: Law chief
THE new president of the Queensland Law Society says the public perception that criminals in Townsville get off lightly is a myth.
Townsville lawyer Ken Taylor has moved to Brisbane to take up the position of president but was back in town this week on a regional tour to talk about issues across the state.
Mr Taylor said a study by Tasmanian Governor and law professor Kate Warner found jurors tended to propose more lenient sentences than judges when given the full facts.
“The perception of light sentencing is not new and it’s not unique, it’s not something the law society agrees with,” he said.
“The courts are in a unique situation to assess sentencing.
“Frequently there is community disquiet about sentencing and there’s only limited facts made publicly available. The sentencing judicial officer is really the only person that has all of the facts before them.”
Mr Taylor said comments by politicians added to perceptions of light sentencing.
“They will know that the courts are in the best position to make these decisions,” he said. “Being local, I’m acutely aware of the sensitive aspect around particularly property and motor vehicle offences and the effect it has on the community.
“The police have a difficult job, they require a sufficient regulatory framework and resources to assist them to carry out their responsibilities and if lawful strategies can be implemented to address the amount of crime, be it youth- related or otherwise, there should be support for that.”
But Mr Taylor says Townsville needs extra courtrooms.
“There’s certainly some need at the moment, in an ideal world, to try to move children’s courts away from the criminal court arena and we’re in discussions at the moment with the judiciary about the exact requirements,” he said.
“These aren’t new requirements, they’ve been on the books for some time and we have been continually making representations in that respect.”
Mr Taylor said the society was also taking an interest in the transition of 17- year- old inmates from adult prison into youth detention centres.
“The law society has always supported the removal of 17- year- olds from the adult system and adult jails,” he said.
“Children and young people have a special vulnerability, which is recognised in the legislation … the youth justice system is significantly better placed to provide appropriate and effective management of criminal behaviour in 17- year- olds.
“The challenge is also with the removal of the 17year- olds back to the youth justice system, that there is significant organisation of the various facilities to be able to handle that and I don’t think anyone would like to see 17- year- olds in the same confined area as a 12- yearold for example.”