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 Cross is an experienced barrister with nearly 20 years’ experience in criminal and civil litigation. Practising from Lorne Street Chambers in Auckland, she regularly appears in courts across New Zealand, including jury trial jurisdictions, and acts for a range of clients, including high-profile individuals and those involved in privacy-sensitive proceedings. Donna-Maree holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland, graduating with both a Senior Prize and Senior Scholarship. She subsequently completed a Master of Laws at Columbia University in New York, graduating as a Scholar. Early in her career she was the inaugural full-time junior counsel to David PH Jones KC before later becoming a Senior Associate at MinterEllisonRuddWatts prior to joining the independent bar. In addition to her advocacy practice, Donna-Maree plays an active role in the legal profession. She is Convenor of an Auckland Standards Committee, a member of the New Zealand Law Society’s National Section 30 Interview Panel, and the author of the chapter on “Surveillance” in Thomson Reuters’ Privacy Law in New Zealand. She is also a regular presenter for New Zealand Law Society CLE and Legalwise seminars, particularly on criminal law, sentencing and mental health issues in the justice system.


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.