Join us for a focused update on what’s changed and changing in sentencing. We will discuss practical strategies for how you can adapt regardless of whether you are appearing for the prosecution or defence. We will look into recent sentencing reforms, including the (adjusted) return of three strikes, and the statutory cap on discounts, plus emerging case law to explore how these are shaping sentencing in our courts today.

Presenters

Maree Cross, Barrister, Lorne Street Chambers
Maree is an experienced courtroom advocate, practicing in criminal and civil litigation. In addition to her LLB (Hons)/BA from the University of Auckland (where she graduated with a Senior Prize and Senior Scholarship respectively), she holds an LLM from Columbia University in the City of New York, from which she graduated as a Scholar. Before joining the independent bar in 2016, Maree was a litigator at MinterEllisonRuddWatts and had spent two earlier stints of her career with David PH Jones KC (her first as his inaugural full-time junior). Maree regularly acts for high-profile and privacy-sensitive individuals. She appears often in our trial and appellate courts. She is Convenor of one of the Auckland Standards Committees, contributing author to the Thomson Reuters’ text, “Privacy Law in New Zealand”, and also conducts Certificate of Character interviews on behalf of NZLS. She accepts appointment as amicus curiae and standby counsel frequently. Maree is considered a safe pair of hands - astute, well-prepared, and thoughtful in her approach.


Marie Taylor-Cyphers, Barrister, Verus Chambers
Marie Taylor Cyphers is an accomplished criminal barrister. She has worked hard to carve out an authentic advocacy style and is experienced in the full range of criminal cases that come before the courts.  She is Head of Verus Chambers, and applies a robust understanding of the law together with an empathetic insight into human behaviour in her cases. Marie is widely respected for her approach to sentencing —balancing novel and established authorities, realistic concessions, offender background, and victim impact—to achieve the best possible outcome. Such outcomes minimise risk of ongoing harm and rehabilitate / reintegrate the offender. Marie brings a warm and conversational teaching style: she pairs high-level legal analysis with real world case examples and interactive discussions. Her goal is to grow with the profession, sharpening our focus to improve outcomes across the board. She has lectured at the University of Otago in final year papers of Advocacy, Sentencing, and Criminal Justice and regularly presents to the profession for CPD.