"Minimum sentence, maximum injustice"

Professor George Williams writes about the harsh sentences imposed on people smugglers in the Sydney Morning Herald (6 December 2011). Please see summary below:

People smugglers fall into a special category in Australia, with a reputation almost as low as paedophiles and terrorists. The law reflects this by imposing harsh sentences, and even mandatory minimum periods in jail. This uncompromising response has created a problem. Penalties are imposed indiscriminately in a way that catches children and other unwitting people in the net.