Indefinite, Inhumane, Inequitable -- The Principle of Equal Application of the Law and the Natural Life Sentence for Murder: A Reform Agenda

UNSW Law Journal, Vol. 29, No. 3, p. 139-172, 2006

34 Pages Posted: 24 May 2014

See all articles by John Anderson

John Anderson

University of Newcastle (Australia) - Newcastle Law School

Date Written: November 3, 2006

Abstract

Approximately 30 convicted murderers have been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of release to parole since this punishment was instituted in New South Wales in January 1990. The natural life sentence was a part of the then Coalition Government’s 'truth in sentencing' reforms of the sentencing system.

In this article, it will be argued that not only is the indefinite nature of the sentence of life imprisonment inhumane, but the available evidence graphically demonstrates an eclectic approach by the judiciary to the practical application of the natural life sentence resulting in a clearly inequitable distribution of this ultimate form of punishment. This is contrary to one of the most basic tenets of the common law legal system, that the law should be applied equally to all persons. In an era of 'law and order' politics with the emphasis on a retributive and incapacitative policy approach to sentencing, the legislature has failed to provide meaningful guidance to the judiciary when drawing the line between cases of murder deserving natural life imprisonment as opposed to the option of a determinate, albeit lengthy, term of imprisonment. In turn, the appellate courts have struggled to formulate essential sentencing criteria for imposition of the life sentence. Some recurring factors have been identified, including the mode of killing, the number of victims and evidence of the future dangerousness of the offender. There is, however, no evidence of consistency in the approach to weighting these factors or promoting particular objectives and sentencing principles in the instinctive synthesis method adopted by sentencing judges.

Options for reform of the natural life sentence for murder in New South Wales require careful consideration. A proposal is made for judicially reviewable 'life sentences' which, at least in the longer term, would make the distribution of this indefinite form of punishment more equitable so that 'like' cases may be treated 'alike'.

Keywords: Sentencing, Life Imprisonment

JEL Classification: K14

Suggested Citation

Anderson, John, Indefinite, Inhumane, Inequitable -- The Principle of Equal Application of the Law and the Natural Life Sentence for Murder: A Reform Agenda (November 3, 2006). UNSW Law Journal, Vol. 29, No. 3, p. 139-172, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2441083

John Anderson (Contact Author)

University of Newcastle (Australia) - Newcastle Law School ( email )

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Newcastle, New South Wales 2300
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HOME PAGE: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/john-anderson

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