Retired judge Lex Lasry on mandatory sentencing and the state of our courts
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Retired Justice Lex Lasry says judges could quit if stronger mandatory sentencing laws are introduced by the parliament.
In a wide-ranging interview with Neil Mitchell, the high-respected legal figure opened up on several key issues facing Victoria’s courts.
KEY TALKING POINTS
- He conceded the community was particularly critical of the courts in 2018: “Probably some of it’s out of ignorance in that people don’t understand how the process works, and in a sense the court holds some responsibility for that.”
- He said mandatory sentencing, promised by the Coalition if they’re elected to state government this year, can’t work.
- Asked if mandatory sentencing could lead to resignations: “It might.”
- He’s got no time for talk of publicly-elected judges: “No. Never.”
- He said the mental health of judges and magistrates was an increasing issue: “Definitely … and especially magistrates, because the workload is enormous.”
Click PLAY to watch the full interview (Part 1)
Click PLAY to watch the full interview (Part 2)