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Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005
51AVictim impact statements—adjournment of proceeding to
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51A Victim impact statements—adjournment of proceeding to
allow preparation
(1) If the prosecution in a sentencing proceeding for a serious offence
requests an adjournment for the preparation of a victim impact
statement, the court must grant the adjournment for a reasonable
period to allow the statement’s preparation.
(2) However, the court must not adjourn the proceeding if satisfied that
special circumstances justify refusing the adjournment.
serious offence means an offence punishable by imprisonment for
longer than 5 years.