New Law About Court Letters in New South Wales

May 13, 2026, 05:30
AustraliaPolitics

Introduction

The government in New South Wales made a new law. Now, people who commit sexual crimes cannot use 'good character' letters to get a shorter prison sentence.

Main Body

The government wanted this rule for all crimes. But other political groups did not agree. Now, the rule is only for sexual crimes. Some people like this law. They say it helps the victims. But some lawyers do not like it. They say these letters help the judge understand the person. The government is now trying again. They want a new law for all crimes. They say this is the best way to help victims.

Conclusion

The law stops these letters for sexual crimes. The government still wants to stop them for all crimes.

Learning

⚖️ How to express 'Contrast'

In the text, we see two opposite ideas. We use the word But to connect them.

The Pattern: [Idea A] →\rightarrow But →\rightarrow [Idea B]

Examples from the text:

  • "The government wanted this rule... But other political groups did not agree."
  • "Some people like this law... But some lawyers do not like it."

Simple Rule: Use But when you want to change the direction of the sentence to a different or opposite opinion.

🛠️ Word Power: Action Words (Verbs)

Look at how the text describes what people do:

  1. Make/Want →\rightarrow To create or desire something (e.g., The government made a new law).
  2. Agree/Like →\rightarrow To have a positive feeling about something (e.g., Some people like this law).
  3. Stop →\rightarrow To end an action (e.g., The law stops these letters).

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
The group of people who make laws for a country.
Example:The government will announce new rules tomorrow.
law (n.)
A rule that people must follow.
Example:It is a law that everyone must wear a seatbelt.
new (adj.)
Not old; recently made or started.
Example:She bought a new book yesterday.
people (n.)
Human beings; members of a society.
Example:Many people live in the city.
commit (v.)
To do something, especially a crime.
Example:He can commit a crime if he is careless.
sexual (adj.)
Relating to sex.
Example:The book talks about sexual health.
crimes (n.)
Illegal acts that hurt people.
Example:The police investigate all crimes.
use (v.)
To employ or take advantage of.
Example:You can use this pen to write.
good (adj.)
Positive; not bad.
Example:She has a good smile.
character (n.)
The qualities that make a person.
Example:His character is honest.
letters (n.)
Written messages or evidence.
Example:The lawyer sent several letters.
prison (n.)
A place where people are held for breaking the law.
Example:The thief went to prison for five years.
sentence (n.)
The punishment decided by a judge.
Example:The judge gave a short sentence.
all (adj.)
Every one; entire.
Example:All children must attend school.
political (adj.)
Relating to governments or elections.
Example:The political debate was loud.
victims (n.)
People harmed by a crime.
Example:The police protect the victims.