What lawyers think of proposed end to ‘good character’ evidence in sentencing in NSW

NSW to Prohibit the Use of ‘Good Character’ as a Mitigating Factor in Sentencing

by Paul Gregoire and Ugur Nedim In a move that has long been demanded by victim advocacy groups and is based upon a recommendation contained in a New South Wales Sentencing Council report of July 2025,  the state government has introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of ‘good character’ as a factor which has the potential to reduce the penalty imposed upon a person who is being sentenced for a criminal offence in New South Wales. Good…

What lawyers think of proposed end to ‘good character’ evidence in sentencing in NSW

As the NSW government moves to prevent convicted offenders from using “good character” as a mitigating factor in sentencing, the reform has divided the legal profession – earning praise from some while raising concerns among others.