Posts Tagged: MERIT program

Sentencing Alternatives in NSW Courts: Circle Sentencing, Forum Sentencing and the MERIT Program

Mark Foy in Downing Centre Court

Underlying problems like drug and alcohol addiction, as well as particular problems faced by Aboriginal offenders, mean that various alternative programs are now supplementing more traditional methods of sentencing in NSW Courts. These sentencing alternatives focus on community involvement, rehabilitation or even, in the case of forum sentencing, discussions between victim and offender as part… Read more »

Does North Sydney Local Court Offer Referral to the MERIT Program?

Injection of drug heroin

The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment program (MERIT) is a voluntary rehabilitation program that is available to offenders in most local courts, including North Sydney Local Court. For offenders who have a confirmed substance abuse problem, the MERIT program provides an opportunity to seek treatment and address their issues, and can also lead to a less severe sentence… Read more »