Judicary

• What are most judges represented as?

  Old, white, male and privileged (usually private school education)
• Example of judge gender bias influencing a case?

  • In 1989, Judge James Pickle sentenced a man to probation after he sexually assaulted a six year old girl.
  • He also jailed a woman for being uncooperative in court.
  • He believed pregnancy isn't a factor in determining sentence lengths
• How can judges be "out of touch"?

  Their bias characteristics make it hard to understand the circumstances of the case and deliver an appropriate sentence.
• How can judges be too "in touch"?

  They're more easily swayed by public opinion so they may make unfair decisions.
• Whats the unduly lenient scheme?


  Allows victims, prosecutors and the public to appeal for sentence reviews for those believed too lenient. If the minister (Attorney General) agrees to the appeal, then the Court of Appeal will be asked to lengthen the sentence. In 2017, 173 cases were appealed and 137 were increased. This is not a significant number, so its not a concern