The Sentencing Advisory Council offers free interactive sessions about sentencing for legal service and advocacy organisations. Our 'You be the Judge' sessions are suitable for organisational training and development, adult education groups, community leadership programs, those working with people affected by crime and TAFE and university students.
Audiences can 'be the judge' and help bust some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding sentencing in Victoria. Groups of 12 to 30 are ideal.
The Council will deliver You Be the Judge sessions via Zoom while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
You be the Judge for Agencies and Adult Education Groups
The sessions provide information about sentencing principles and orders in Victoria. Audience participation is encouraged through the use of case studies and real-life examples. The focus of the sessions can be adjusted to meet the audience’s level of prior knowledge and learning objectives.
You be the Judge for Secondary Teachers
We no longer run You be the Judge sessions for secondary school classes. Teachers' kits are available on this website for teachers to run their own You be the Judge sessions. Kits are available for Years 9 and 10 classes in English, civics and citizenship, history, mathematics, media, arts and digital technologies, and for Years 11 and 12 classes in legal studies.
Students can also complete self-directed learning on sentencing using Virtual You be the Judge.
Professional Development for Teachers
The Council hosts occasional professional development sessions to:
- update teachers on Victorian sentencing law
- assist teachers to get the most out of our You be the Judge teaching resources.
Professional development sessions are advertised through our website and via Twitter. Please contact us if you would like us to email you about forthcoming sessions.
How to Book an Online You be the Judge Session
Please use the booking form below to request an online You be the Judge education session for your group of 12 or more adults.
When: Once you have registered your interest, we will contact you to discuss the date and time of the session. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.
Cost: Free
Note: Because details of the crime are provided in the first few minutes of each session, participants must be logged in to the session at the starting time. Instructions for how to join the session will be provided.
Cases: You will be able to choose between a case of culpable driving causing death (Annie) and a case involving burglary and arson (Henry).
You be the Judge Booking Form
Your details will not be used for any purpose other than joining in a You be the Judge session. See our privacy policy.
If you have any questions about our You be the Judge sessions, please get in touch with us at contact@sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au.
