During the District Court Sentencing Hearing

The following information details the tasks required of a court officer during the district court sentencing hearing.

Setting up

Follow the steps below to set up for the district court sentencing hearing.

Step	Action
1	Bring up the court list using IOMS for that day.
2	Distribute any unclaimed reports to lawyers and offenders, including offenders held in custody. Ensure offenders have read copies of their reports. Note: It is important for offenders who are not represented by a lawyer to receive a copy of the report and have an opportunity to read the report before sentencing.

Assisting the judge

Be prepared to:

answer any questions the judge has, and
update any necessary information that had not been clarified at the time the report was written.

Note: Do not interrupt the judge once he/she has started to sum up for sentencing.

If the judge has handed down an illegal or unworkable sentence, speak to the court registrar discreetly after the case has been stood-down. If the matter is unable to be recalled that day, an application can be prepared at a later date.

Recording sentencing information

Note the relevant sentencing information:

on the front cover of the report, and
in the IOMS case notes (if the offender is currently on-strength).

Use the table below to decide which information to note.

Important: Take particular note of any offenders sentenced to HD.

If the offender is…	note…
sentenced	the sentence imposed by the court reparation or disqualifications orders if new sentence is cumulative or concurrent the cancellation of any existing sentences. (The judge may need to be prompted if this had been recommended but no determination was made.) the discharge of any post detention conditions or release on conditions other comments by the judge that may be useful for sentence management purposes, and feedback from the judge about the report.
further remanded	the date and reason for the remand, including tasks required by the report writer.
sentenced to a term of imprisonment	the conditions of release if they were ordered and the length of time they are to apply the determination of the court under section 78(2)(a) or (b) of the Sentencing Act 2002 if required. (The Judge may need to be prompted if no such determination is made.) the cancellation of any existing sentences, and the discharge of any post detention conditions or release on conditions.

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