Indigenous Justice Conference

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Indigenous Justice Conference"

Transcription

1 The Australian Institute of Judicial Administration Indigenous Justice Conference University of South Australia, Adelaide, 18 July 2013 Current Issues in Delivering Indigenous Justice Challenges for the Courts NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA S FIRST PEOPLES Presented by Ms. Tammy Solonec (LLB) Director Chamber Three Convener Justice Working Group

2 INTRODUCTION I start with our protocol of acknowledging the traditional owners of this land. I acknowledge the Kaurna (Garna) people and their Elders past and present and thank them for their custodianship of this land. I also acknowledge the Nunga people of South Australia. Thank you also to Jack Buckskin for your moving Welcome to Country. Thank you to the organisers for the opportunity to speak at this seminar about current issues in delivering Indigenous Justice and in particular challenges for the courts. DEDICATION TO NEIL GILLESPIE Before I begin however, I would like to acknowledge the sudden passing this weekend just gone of Mr. Neil Gillespie. Neil was a fierce advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially here in South Australia, where he was the CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement of South Australia between 2000 and I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Neil both in my capacity as a lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia and as a member of the Indigenous Peoples Organisations (IPO) Network, where through international mechanisms and the United Nations Neil actively pursued justice and fairness our people. Highlights of Neil s international advocacy including lodging a complaint about the inequity in funding between Aboriginal Legal Services and mainstream legal aid with the CERD Committee, and lobbying for compensation for Aboriginal people affected by the British nuclear tests at Maralinga between 1955 and 1963, part of the Woomera Prohibited Area. Locally and recently, he was known to have criticized departing Premier Mike Rann in 2011 of his handling of Aboriginal affairs during his terms in office, saying he had "failed to ensure that Aboriginal people have access to justice". As a person, Neil was always supportive of me and other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people coming through, but most of all, he was a kind man who was always there for others, including his beloved wife Vicky and his children, including of course his son, who most of you will know as the successful cricketer Jason Gillespie. Neil will be sadly missed by all of us who work in this field of Indigenous advocacy, especially as it relates to access to justice and I would like to dedicate this speech to him. In his honour, I would now like to ask that we all pause for a minute s silence. Thank You. PAUSE FOR ONE MINUTE S SILENCE Page 2

3 Today I have been asked to speak to you about current issues in delivering justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isalnder peoples and in particular challenges for the courts. I speak to you today as a representative of the National Congress of Australia s First Peoples. We are the new national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. At Congress, our individual and organisational members have let us know that justice needs to a priority advocacy issue. On this basis we have formed a Justice Working Group, of which I am the Convener, and have developed a Justice Policy, which forms the basis of the information that I will share with you today. THE EXPERIENCE The statistics about Indigenous incarceration and victimization in Australia are alarming and is of serious concern to our people. Here is just a snapshot: Our people are 14 times more likely to be incarcerated; 1 Our youth are almost 24 times more likely to be in youth detention; 2 Our people are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for assault (and our women are 35 times more likely); 3 and Our children are 10 times more likely to be a ward of the state, 4 with our children currently making up 31% of all children in state care, 5 despite them only making 4.2% of all Australian children and young people. 6 It is important to note that the numbers and proportion of our people incarcerated has been increasing in recent years and is projected to increase significantly over the next 20 years due to various factors, including our growing population. It is important to note that we have a large youth population. In 2011, 35.9% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was less than 14 years, 7 where as only 3.8% were aged 65 years and over. 8 This is the opposite of the mainstream population, whose aging baby boomers make up the majority. 1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Prisoners in Australia 2011, Cat no , p 8, (accessed 6 June 2012). 2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Juvenile Justice in Australian , Juvenile Justice Series no. 10. Cat No JUV 10, p.7, < (accessed 15 August 2012). 3 Productivity Commission 2011, p Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012(1), p28. 6 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2011 Census Counts Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples, (accessed 7 February 2013). 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. Page 3

4 I have included the statistic about our children in child protection in these statistics because it is an emerging priority area of concern for us in Australia, and because of the clear links between children in child protection, becoming youth in juvenile detention, becoming adults in prison. And I have included the statistic about victimization because violence against our people and in particular our women is another key concern for us, and it is important that victims are considered when talking about criminal justice, and that we understand the dynamic between victims and perpetrators, especially in the situation of domestic, family and lateral violence. Because, to look at the criminal justice system in isolation is amiss of the true situation of economic, social and cultural factors to Indigenous offending. We must look broader than the offenders and their offending to begin to understand why our people are so overrepresented in the criminal justice system. I make the point of referring to the criminal justice system, rather than just incarceration, because our people are overrepresented in all contact with the system. We are more likely to be victims, more likely to have contact with police, more likely to be charged with offences, more likely to be convicted offences, and more likely to receive harsher sentences for offences, including receiving higher fines. We are less likely to receive police cautions, less likely to be receive sentences which are alternatives to incarceration, less likely to be granted parole once incarcerated, and less likely to receive access to rehabilitative and through care programs. The cycle then continues, with our people more likely to repeat offend. However, even restricting it to the criminal justice system is too narrow. We also need to consider the overrepresentation and special circumstances relating to our peoples experiences with other areas of law including child protection law, family law and civil law, such as tenancy, discrimination, defamation and vilification. UNDERLYING CAUSAL FACTORS The reasons for Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system involve a complex interplay of historical and contemporary factors and social determinants. I don t have time today to go into the historical factors, but if you are interested in learning more I would encourage you to consider the reports of: The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, released in 1991 which investigated 99 deaths and made 339 recommendations; The Bringing Them Home Report on the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families, released in 1995; and The Country Report from the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, released in June See references at the end of this paper. Page 4

5 The historical factors outlined in these reports have lead to our people suffering from multiple contemporary disadvantage that increase our likelihood of coming into contact with the justice system and being incarcerated. For example, data tells us that the following groups of people are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and prisons: those affected by substance abuse; those with auditory hearing loss; those with a cognitive and/or mental disability; those who have received limited formal education; those who have been the victim of family or domestic violence; those who were a ward of the state (including members of the Stolen Generations); and of course those who are poor. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented in all these groups. In addition to this, the overrepresentation is perpetuated by the disproportionate impact that a tough law and order regime has on disadvantaged minority groups, including Indigenous peoples and by targeting, over policing and discrimination against our people by the very individuals that uphold the laws including policy makers, police and the judiciary. This includes laws like mandatory sentencing, which take away the ability of the judiciary to consider circumstances, and the increasing overregulation in Australia. The justice system is also extremely focused on the offender, which means there is often little support, compassion or resources for victims. It is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our society who end up in prison and although there are some people who do require rehabilitation and who the public need to be protected from, there are many, many who do not need to be locked up. When we consider the system like this, it becomes clear that although it is called a justice system, when it comes to being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, it is hardly a just system. Unfortunately in Australia, there is a lack of political leadership to address these grave concerns and projected increases in overrepresentation, and little to hold Governments to account. The incarceration and victimization of our people has been normalized and there is a sense of Government and broader community apathy about the situation. This is complicated further by our Federal system of Government, where crime and justice are the responsibility States and Territories. Instead of trying to reduce incarceration, political leaders push tough on crime law and order campaigns, pumping out more and more laws with harsher penalties, incarcerating more and more people. Although such rhetoric may assist with the popular vote during elections, and make the broader community feel safer (whether it in reality makes them more safe or not), the fact of the matter is that the tough on crime approach to justice is simply not sustainable. Page 5

6 For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is not socially sustainable, and for everyone else, it is not financially sustainable, with enormous costs associated with incarceration. Over $2.6 billion is spent on adult imprisonment in Australia every year. 10 As Aboriginal and Torres Strait prisoners make up about a quarter of the adult prison population, approximately $650 million is spent on Indigenous adult imprisonment a year. If we add to that cost of incarceration the costs of other aspects of the criminal justice system including for police, the judiciary and legal aid, we start to get a true picture of the enormous financial burden that our justice system imposes on society. WAYS FORWARD The time for change is imminent and around the world, particularly in Western countries that have inherited the British system of justice, policy makers are looking for alternatives. Calls for reform to the justice system from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are growing stronger each day and projects aimed at reducing contact with the justice system are appearing everywhere. Rather than go into detail about particular programs, I will talk about national reforms that we are advocating for. These reforms are about a pushing for a shift in thinking, a change in the rhetoric, from tough on crime to smart on crime approaches (also referred to solution based policy ), using prevention, early intervention, diversion and rehabilitation. In particular, there is a push for programs that involve the participants learning their Indigenous cultures. There are a number of programs in Australia that have had positive results in diverting our people from the justice system and slowing recidivism rates by offering rehabilitative programs in prison, which are founded on the concept of culture as a preventative mechanism. Justice Reinvestment Overarching this shift in thinking is a push for the national adoption of Justice Reinvestment in Australia. Justice Reinvestment is a concept that emerged in the United States and which has been having success in reducing incarceration. It is designed to help reverse the high levels of incarceration and to improve the lives and the well being of communities by diverting people away from jails and the criminal justice system to community led development programs. Under this approach, a portion of the public funds that would have been spent on covering the costs of imprisonment are diverted to local communities that have a high concentration of offenders deemed high risk communities. 10 Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Crime: Facts and Figures 2008, p 110. At 031D 415C B544 8CE865A3CA0C%7Dfacts_and_figures_2008.pdf (viewed 14 February 2013). Page 6

7 The money is invested in community programs, services and activities that are aimed at addressing the underlying causes of crime in those communities. This includes programs based on culture as a preventative mechanism as noted earlier. Such local and community owned initiatives are more aligned with Indigenous cultural values and self determination, than top down punitive approaches. The Australian Federal Government has recently investigated Justice Reinvestment as an option for dealing with the substantial overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system through a Senate Inquiry led by South Australian Senator Penny Wright. 11 The inquiry received a high level of participation with over 125 written submissions received, and a number of verbal submissions at the Inquiry hearings held in Perth, Sydney and Canberra. The Inquiry released its report on 20 June 2013 and recommended that the Commonwealth Government take a lead role in developing Justice Reinvestment in Australia including with regards to data collection and sharing, by providing a long term sustainable funding, by establishing a Justice Reinvestment clearinghouse, and by conducting trials of Justice Reinvestment including in a remote Indigenous communities. We eagerly await the response of the Government to the report. Justice Targets Another national reform we are seeking which was also recommended by the Justice Reinvestment Senate Inquiry is the adoption of Justice Targets, as part of the national Close the Gap Framework. This framework is one that the Governments of Australia have committed to which provides long term, measurable and targeted health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a National Partnership to Close the Gap for Indigenous Health Outcomes and a Statement of Intent for the Close the Gap Indigenous Health Equality Campaign. The Close the Gap Campaign is led by Indigenous and non Indigenous national health peak organisations and includes six measureable targets for closing the gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians. We are advocating for this Framework to be extended to the justice system. We think there should be two targets to (1) halve the rate of incarceration; and (2) halve the rate of hospitalisation from assaults. It is important to balance these competing (but inter related) aspects of justice for our people and to hold Governments to account. 11 Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Value of a justice reinvestment approach to criminal justice in Australia, at x.htm (accessed 20 February 2013). Page 7

8 Indigenous Legal Aid Culturally appropriate legal representation that is accessible to Indigenous people is an important component of access to justice. Whilst we are fortunate to have specific Indigenous Legal Aid Services in Australia, they are chronically underfunded as compared to mainstream Legal Aid, and rely on Federal funding and are not supported by States and Territories. This of course was one of the key advocacy issues of Neil Gillespie, who this speech is dedicated to. We are advocating for a National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Legal Aid, which is contributed to by the Federal and State and Territory Governments. We want the States and Territories to support and foster our Aboriginal organisations, rather than continually mainstream our services. Changes to Judicial and Police Culture Another important series of reforms that is required involves changing the culture within the justice system, and in particular police culture. For example, with regards to Juvenile Justice, one of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing incarceration rates, is for police to give out more cautions and warnings. We are not saying that bad behavior should be ignored, on the contrary, the youth can be cautioned and diverted into youth related programs, rather than charged and detained. Once a child is detained and their liberty removed, incarceration becomes normalized and the deterrents are reduced. It is important that the concept of imprisonment as a last resort is adopted, especially with regards to children and youth. However, in order for this to occur, there needs to be a change in the mindset of police, including through training in the historical, social and contemporary factors that lead to offending and through encouragement to move from paramilitary ways of operating which are focused on punishment, to more socially based roles which are focused on correction and diversion. We need police to be seen positively in Indigenous communities, engaging with youth, rather than being seen as people to be afraid of. As well as training and encouragement, legislative reform may be required to ensure that police give warnings where possible, especially where children and youth are concerned. Increased Indigenous Participation in the Justice System There is also an urgent need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be more involved in the justice system and in particular in high level decision making. As well as more lawyers, police and Judges, we need Indigenous people in legal supporting roles and in Parliament. Whilst we have seen increasing numbers of Indigenous lawyers through the success of programs such as the Aboriginal Pre Law Programs, few of those lawyers end up working in the criminal justice system because they are recruited into government, mining companies, native title law and the corporate sector. There is an urgent need for targeted recruitment programs and identified Indigenous positions across the justice system, to assist our people to make to change the culture from within. Page 8

9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture Our final recommendation is about the conditions of detention, because there are many of our people who are locked up in increasingly crowded prisons, without access to services and their families, lands and cultures. Congress is urging the Government and all States and Territories to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, which will allow United Nations inspectors to inspect all places of detention in Australia (including prisons, police lockups and refugee detention centres), and which requires the set up of a National Preventative Mechanism. Although the Federal Government, States and Territories unanimously agreed to do this in July 2012 it requires the passing of legislation in Federal Parliament and in each State and Territory. We want to ensure that the ratification timetable is kept on target and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations are involved in its development. LAY DOWN THE CHALLENGE WHAT CAN YOU DO? With this information in mind, I would like to return to the topic of this conference of current issues in delivering Indigenous justice, and challenges in the courts. In that regard, I would like to lay down a challenge to every one in this room about what you can do. As people who derive our livelihoods from the justice system of Australia we are all the beneficiaries of the sufferings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we all have a part to play in overcoming the issues I have outlined today. In particular, I would like you to consider what role the Judiciary has in agitating for system reform. Of course, one of the fundamental principles of our justice system is the doctrine of the separation of powers between the judiciary, the executive and parliament. Whilst I can understand the reasons for this separation, sometimes it can lead to poor decision making. In particular, I believe there is a greater role for the judiciary to play in advising or being consulted about law reform from both the parliamentary and executive arms of government, especially as it relates to criminal justice. It is the judiciary and those who work within the court systems that see day in and day out, the problems afflicting society, and the programs which are working to reduce offending and recidivism. I would encourage you all to become more active in this area and share with us your wisdom, training and ethics to assist us to reform our justice system into a more just system. As an example, in Western Australia, our Chief Magistrate Wayne Martin has been very active in addressing Indigenous incarceration and has spoken at many conferences and seminars and has a voice in the media. The Chief Justice has been able to do this in a way that does not offend the separation of powers doctrines, but which does share his years of knowledge and Page 9

10 experience. I encourage you to think about ways that you can make a difference and about ways that you think the justice system can be reformed. There is also a need for alternatives to incarceration that can provide real options to the judiciary in sentencing. For example, if there were more youth bail hostels, as we have recommended time and time again at the Aboriginal Legal Services, less children would need to be sent to juvenile detention. Successful diversionary programs such as Halo Leadership in Perth and the Yirriman Project in Fitzroy Crossing can, if supported by the system, be offered as alternatives to incarceration. CONCLUSION So in summary, I have today outlined the experiences of Indigenous people in Australia in the justice system and in particular the overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, and I have explained the underlying causes for this experience. I then outlined that in Australia, the trajectories for incarceration of Indigenous people is expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years and that there is an urgent need for reform now. I then explained some of those reforms we are advocating for, including the adoption of Justice Reinvestment and Justice Targets, increased Indigenous participation in the justice system, changing the culture of the justice system to more compassionate approaches to justice which are focused on prevention and diversion, and ratifiying the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture. I finished the presentation by laying down a challenge to you all and particularly the judiciary in asking what can you do in reforming the system? What role do you and the courts have to play in overcoming the challenges facing Indigenous people? I now have a little time to take questions. Unfortunately I am not able to stay as I have to head to Cairns for our 3 rd Annual National Congress Meeting, which commences tomorrow. For those of you who have not heard, our Co Chair election results were made public this morning with the return of Les Malezer and the new appointment of Kirstie Parker as our female Co Chair. Thank you again for the opportunity for me to deliver this message from the National Congress of Australia s First Peoples. I wish you all good luck over the following days and know that the ancestors will stand with you during this important conference. Page 10

11 REFERENCES Productivity Commission 2011: Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2011, Productivity Commission, Canberra data/assets/pdf_file/0018/111609/key indicators 2011 report.pdf (accessed 01 March 2013) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011, Fact Sheet: Child protection and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children viewed 01 March 2013 < > Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013) A POPULATION OVERVIEW: POPULATION SIZE AND AGE STRUCTURE, viewed 01 March 2013 < > Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 1997, Bringing them home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families viewed 01 March 2013 < > Australian Government Royal Commission in to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Viewed 01 March 2013, United Nations, (2010) Report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people: Situation of indigenous peoples in Australia* on of indigenous peoples in Australia, viewed 01 March 2013 < Page 11

Pacific Preparatory Meeting

Pacific Preparatory Meeting Pacific Preparatory Meeting World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Centre for Indigenous Excellence, Sydney, 19 March 2013 Justice for Indigenous Peoples NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA S FIRST PEOPLES

More information

NATIONAL JUSTICE POLICY

NATIONAL JUSTICE POLICY NATIONAL JUSTICE POLICY February 2013 Acknowledgements The National Congress of Australia s First People s (Congress) acknowledges the valuable contributions made throughout the development of this policy

More information

MEDIA RELEASE 4 th FEBRUARY 2013

MEDIA RELEASE 4 th FEBRUARY 2013 MEDIA RELEASE 4 th FEBRUARY 2013 A new landmark report being launched today at Parliament House shows that $111,000 can be saved per year per offender by diverting non-violent Indigenous offenders with

More information

Safer Streets Crime Action Plan Youth Justice. Have Your Say

Safer Streets Crime Action Plan Youth Justice. Have Your Say Safer Streets Crime Action Plan Youth Justice Have Your Say 1 Foreword Through its Safer Streets Crime Action Plan, the Newman Government made a commitment to crack down on crime. As part of this plan,

More information

Access to Justice in the Criminal Justice System for People with Disability

Access to Justice in the Criminal Justice System for People with Disability Access to Justice in the Criminal Justice System for People with Disability Australian Human Rights Commission 9 August 2013 GPO Box 1989, Canberra ACT 2601, DX 5719 Canberra 19 Torrens St Braddon ACT

More information

Violence Prevention. Multiple Disadvantage

Violence Prevention. Multiple Disadvantage Violence Prevention A ll forms of violence are a violation of fundamental human rights. Violence not only threatens the victim s physical health, housing security and mental wellbeing but with between

More information

The Committee understands that legal assistance funding is provided by the Commonwealth through a number of different streams, namely:

The Committee understands that legal assistance funding is provided by the Commonwealth through a number of different streams, namely: THE LAW SOCI ETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Our ref: IndglssuesJEvk:BB0032 18 February 2015 The Hon Senator George Brandis QC Attorney-General PO Box 6100 Senate, Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 By email: senator.brandis@aph.gov.au

More information

Greens NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Policy

Greens NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Policy Greens NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Policy Updated November 2009 Principles The Greens NSW believe: 1. Aboriginal peoples are the original owners and custodians of the land now known

More information

The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women. Immediate Government Actions April 2009

The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women. Immediate Government Actions April 2009 The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women Immediate Government Actions April 2009 Commonwealth of Australia 2009 ISBN 978-1-921380-45-7 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted

More information

6 February 2015 Submission to the Department of the Treasury

6 February 2015 Submission to the Department of the Treasury 6 February 2015 Submission to the Department of the Treasury 2015-16 Commonwealth Budget Reconciliation Australia is the national organisation promoting reconciliation between the broader Australian community

More information

DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL. YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009

DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL. YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009 DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009 General Instructions: Reading time 5 minutes Working time 1 ½ hours Write using blue or black pen Write your Student Number/Name

More information

Legal Studies. Total marks 100

Legal Studies. Total marks 100 2014 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION Legal Studies Total marks 100 Section I Pages 2 6 20 marks Attempt Questions 1 20 Allow about 30 minutes for this section General Instructions Reading time 5

More information

Australia s counter-terrorism laws

Australia s counter-terrorism laws Australia s counter-terrorism laws & Questions and answers OFFENCES This pamphlet is a reference to help explain Australia s counter-terrorism laws. There are five main sections to this pamphlet: Terrorist

More information

Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Value of a justice reinvestment approach to criminal justice in Australia 1. Introduction The National Family Violence Prevention

More information

SUBMISSION TO THE SENTENCING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: SUSPENDED SENTENCES

SUBMISSION TO THE SENTENCING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: SUSPENDED SENTENCES SUBMISSION TO THE SENTENCING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: SUSPENDED SENTENCES December 2007 Belinda Lo William Crawford Fitzroy Legal Service 124 Johnston Street FITZROY 3065 Phone: (03) 9419 3744 Fax: (03) 9416

More information

Mental Health Law Centre AGM. Address

Mental Health Law Centre AGM. Address Mental Health Law Centre AGM Address by The Honourable Wayne Martin AC Chief Justice of Western Australia Perth Monday, 26 October 2015 I would like to commence by acknowledging the traditional owners

More information

PROGRAMS FOR OFFENDERS WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS ENDING OFFENDING OUR MESSAGE

PROGRAMS FOR OFFENDERS WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS ENDING OFFENDING OUR MESSAGE PROGRAMS FOR OFFENDERS WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS ENDING OFFENDING OUR MESSAGE Wendy Hunter Northern Territory Correctional Services Paper presented at the Best Practice Interventions in Corrections

More information

bulletin 109 Indigenous young people in the juvenile justice system Summary Bulletin 109 November 2012

bulletin 109 Indigenous young people in the juvenile justice system Summary Bulletin 109 November 2012 Bulletin 19 November 212 Indigenous young people in the juvenile justice system 21 11 Summary bulletin 19 Indigenous young people are over-represented in the juvenile justice system, particularly in the

More information

6. The National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, Bringing them home

6. The National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, Bringing them home 6. The National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, Bringing them home This issue relates to question 6 of the List of issues to be taken

More information

report is to go here over three lines

report is to go here over three lines Access to justice in the criminal justice system for people with disability disabilityname ISSUES PAPER: APRIL 2013 of report is to go here over three lines ABN 47 996 232 602 Level 3, 175 Pitt Street,

More information

5. The Model Strategies and Practical Measures are aimed at providing de jure and de

5. The Model Strategies and Practical Measures are aimed at providing de jure and de MODEL STRATEGIES AND PRACTICAL MEASURES ON THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN THE FIELD OF CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE 1. The multifaceted nature of violence against women suggests

More information

Joint Statement. Background

Joint Statement. Background Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, the Native Women s Association of Canada, BC CEDAW Group, Feminist Alliance for International Action, and International Women's Rights Project call on the federal government

More information

Working on child friendly justice in Tanzania Professor Carolyn Hamilton 1

Working on child friendly justice in Tanzania Professor Carolyn Hamilton 1 European responses to global children s rights issues: exchanging knowledge and building capacity European Progress in Achieving Child Friendly Justice 4 February 2014, Brussels Introduction Working on

More information

ATSIC (NT) SUBMISSION TO THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE COMMUNITY

ATSIC (NT) SUBMISSION TO THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE COMMUNITY ATSIC (NT) SUBMISSION TO THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE COMMUNITY Northern Territory State Policy Office March 2002 1 Substance abuse has been introduced into Aboriginal and Torres Strait

More information

I trust the Committees' submission will be of assistance to the inquiry.

I trust the Committees' submission will be of assistance to the inquiry. THE LAW SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Our Ref: rbg 685771 6 March 2013 The Director General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Director, Inquiry into Druq

More information

The leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy advice. AIJA INDIGENOUS JUSTICE CONFERENCE Thursday 18 July Friday 19 July, 2013

The leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy advice. AIJA INDIGENOUS JUSTICE CONFERENCE Thursday 18 July Friday 19 July, 2013 The leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy advice AIJA INDIGENOUS JUSTICE CONFERENCE Thursday 18 July Friday 19 July, 2013 University of South Australia Presenter: Mr Scott Wilson, Deputy

More information

No End in Sight. The Imprisonment and Indefinite Detention of Indigenous Australians with a Cognitive Impairment

No End in Sight. The Imprisonment and Indefinite Detention of Indigenous Australians with a Cognitive Impairment No End in Sight The Imprisonment and Indefinite Detention of Indigenous Australians with a Cognitive Impairment A Report Prepared by the Aboriginal 1 Disability Justice Campaign Mindy Sotiri with Patrick

More information

Supporting Drug and Alcohol Workers and their Clients to Navigate the Court System. Presented by Clare Magni, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW.

Supporting Drug and Alcohol Workers and their Clients to Navigate the Court System. Presented by Clare Magni, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW. Supporting Drug and Alcohol Workers and their Clients to Navigate the Court System Presented by Clare Magni, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW. Legal Aid NSW Is a state wide organisation providing legal services

More information

Gender Bias in the Law Catherine Fletcher State Prosecutor, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Australia

Gender Bias in the Law Catherine Fletcher State Prosecutor, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Australia Australian Women Lawyers 5 th National Conference 3-5 October 2014, Adelaide South Australia Gender Bias in the Law Catherine Fletcher State Prosecutor, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Western

More information

Victims of violent crime

Victims of violent crime Victims of violent crime What can I do if I am the victim of violent crime? Report the crime to the Police. If it is an emergency, call 000. Otherwise, you can either go to the nearest police station or

More information

Legislative Brief The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2006

Legislative Brief The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2006 Legislative Brief The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2006 The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 23, 2006. The Bill has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee

More information

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the review of the Bail Act 1978 (NSW) and Bail Bill 2010.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the review of the Bail Act 1978 (NSW) and Bail Bill 2010. Ms Penny Musgrave Director Criminal Law Review Attorney Generalʼs Department GPO Box 6 SYDNEY NSW 2001 Dear Ms Penny Musgrave Re: Review of the Bail Act 1978 (NSW) and Bail Bill 2010 Thank you for the

More information

Glossary. To seize a person under authority of the law. Police officers can make arrests

Glossary. To seize a person under authority of the law. Police officers can make arrests Criminal Law Glossary Arrest Charge Convicted Court Crime/Offence Crown Attorney or Prosecutor Criminal Custody Guilty Illegal Innocent Lawyer To seize a person under authority of the law. Police officers

More information

INVESTIGATION INTO THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS IN VICTORIA. VCOSS Submission to the Victorian Ombudsman

INVESTIGATION INTO THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS IN VICTORIA. VCOSS Submission to the Victorian Ombudsman INVESTIGATION INTO THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS IN VICTORIA VCOSS Submission to the Victorian Ombudsman December 2014 About VCOSS The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is

More information

Removal of Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System: A State Trends Update. Rebecca Gasca on behalf of Campaign for Youth Justice

Removal of Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System: A State Trends Update. Rebecca Gasca on behalf of Campaign for Youth Justice Removal of Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System: A State Trends Update Rebecca Gasca on behalf of Campaign for Youth Justice Juvenile Court founded in 1899 to create a separate justice system for

More information

Women, Punishment and Human Rights

Women, Punishment and Human Rights Women, Punishment and Human Rights Prison is often a very expensive way of making vulnerable women s life situations much worse. Women In Prison A Discussion Paper Background Increasing numbers of women

More information

PARTICIPANTS PAPERS THE MALDIVES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR PUNISHMENT. Haleem Mohamed*

PARTICIPANTS PAPERS THE MALDIVES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR PUNISHMENT. Haleem Mohamed* PARTICIPANTS PAPERS THE MALDIVES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR PUNISHMENT Haleem Mohamed* I. INTRODUCTION The Maldives legal system is based on the principles of shariah and other legislation,

More information

Angelhands Victim Awareness Training Seminar

Angelhands Victim Awareness Training Seminar Angelhands Victim Awareness Training Seminar The Importance of Victim Inclusive Practices to the Criminal Justice System by The Honourable Wayne Martin AC Chief Justice of Western Australia Maylands Friday,

More information

HANDOUT 1: Purpose and Principles of Sentencing in Canada

HANDOUT 1: Purpose and Principles of Sentencing in Canada HANDOUT 1: Purpose and Principles of Sentencing in Canada Principles of Sentencing The Criminal Code of Canada outlines the principles and purpose of sentencing in s. 718. These principles are placed in

More information

Legislating for Violence against Children. With a focus on the juvenile justice system

Legislating for Violence against Children. With a focus on the juvenile justice system Legislating for Violence against Children With a focus on the juvenile justice system Juvenile Justice is multi sectoral One of the challenges to juvenile justice is that it is multi-sectoral This means

More information

The solution is within our own families. Using the Family Law system in Australia to support Indigenous families

The solution is within our own families. Using the Family Law system in Australia to support Indigenous families The solution is within our own families Using the Family Law system in Australia to support Indigenous families The solution is within our own families Rick Welsh - The Shed Karen Barker Family Consultant

More information

The Human Rights Law Centre is an independent, non-profit, non-government organisation which protects and promotes human rights.

The Human Rights Law Centre is an independent, non-profit, non-government organisation which protects and promotes human rights. Ruth Barson Human Rights Law Centre Ltd Level 17, 461 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 T: + 61 3 8636 4450 F: + 61 3 8636 4455 E: ruth.barson@hrlc.org.au W: www.hrlc.org.au The Human Rights Law Centre

More information

Defendants charged with serious violent and sexual offences (including murder)

Defendants charged with serious violent and sexual offences (including murder) Bail Amendment Bill Q+A Defendants charged with serious violent and sexual offences (including murder) How is the Government changing bail rules for defendants charged murder? The Government thinks that

More information

Criminal Justice 101. The Criminal Justice System in Colorado and the Impact on Individuals with Mental Illness. April 2009

Criminal Justice 101. The Criminal Justice System in Colorado and the Impact on Individuals with Mental Illness. April 2009 Criminal Justice 101 The Criminal Justice System in Colorado and the Impact on Individuals with Mental Illness April 2009 Acronyms DOC = Department of Corrections DYC = Division of Youth Corrections DCJ

More information

2012 Party Platforms On Criminal Justice Policy

2012 Party Platforms On Criminal Justice Policy 2012 Party Platforms On Criminal Justice Policy September 2012 1 2012 PARTY PLATFORMS ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY THE SENTENCING PROJECT The Washington Post recently reported that the gulf between Republicans

More information

7. MY RIGHTS IN DEALING WITH CRIMINAL LAW AND THE GARDAÍ

7. MY RIGHTS IN DEALING WITH CRIMINAL LAW AND THE GARDAÍ 7. MY RIGHTS IN DEALING WITH CRIMINAL LAW AND THE GARDAÍ 7.1 Victim of a crime What are my rights if I have been the victim of a crime? As a victim of crime, you have the right to report that crime to

More information

Information Bulletin AN INCREASING INDIGENOUS POPULATION? IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. Justine Doherty

Information Bulletin AN INCREASING INDIGENOUS POPULATION? IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. Justine Doherty Information Bulletin OFFICE OF CRIME STATISTICS No 32 April 2002 AN INCREASING INDIGENOUS POPULATION? IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Justine Doherty ATTORNEY-GENERAL S DEPARTMENT Introduction

More information

By Winnie Lichuma KNCHR Presented at the 17 th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the AU

By Winnie Lichuma KNCHR Presented at the 17 th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the AU By Winnie Lichuma KNCHR Presented at the 17 th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the AU 1 To share the Kenyan s experience in legislating on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).The

More information

Liberty s response to the Department for Children, Schools and Families Youth Conditional Caution Code of Practice for 16 and 17 Year Olds

Liberty s response to the Department for Children, Schools and Families Youth Conditional Caution Code of Practice for 16 and 17 Year Olds Liberty s response to the Department for Children, Schools and Families Youth Conditional Caution Code of Practice for 16 and 17 Year Olds Consultation Paper May 2009 About Liberty Liberty (The National

More information

Report of the Forum. Not Guilty due to Unsound Mind: Achieving Reform of the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Act

Report of the Forum. Not Guilty due to Unsound Mind: Achieving Reform of the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Act Report of the Forum Not Guilty due to Unsound Mind: Achieving Reform of the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Act 27 October 2014 Peak body representing the community-managed mental health sector

More information

Fact sheet 2 Overview of the Extradition Process

Fact sheet 2 Overview of the Extradition Process Fact sheet 2 Overview of the Extradition Process This fact sheet is information, not legal advice This fact sheet provides general information only. It does not give legal advice on the operation of the

More information

Making Justice Work. Part 1 Improving Access and Outcomes. The Legal Services Society BC s Legal Aid Provider

Making Justice Work. Part 1 Improving Access and Outcomes. The Legal Services Society BC s Legal Aid Provider Making Justice Work Part 1 Improving Access and Outcomes The Legal Services Society BC s Legal Aid Provider Advice to the Attorney General In February 2012, the Attorney General announced a justice reform

More information

My name is Michelle Tupper. I am an attorney with Dickstein Shapiro and a board

My name is Michelle Tupper. I am an attorney with Dickstein Shapiro and a board Testimony of E. Michelle Tupper Board Member, DC Lawyers for Youth Dickstein Shapiro LLP Department of Corrections Oversight Hearing before the D.C. Council October 29, 2007 Members of the Council, good

More information

Intellectual Disability Rights Service welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposed Evidence Amendment (Evidence of Silence) Bill 2012.

Intellectual Disability Rights Service welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposed Evidence Amendment (Evidence of Silence) Bill 2012. 27 September 2012 The Director Criminal Law Review Department of Attorney General and Justice By Email: lpclrd@agd.nsw.gov.au To The Director, Re: Evidence Amendment (Evidence of Silence) Bill 2012 Intellectual

More information

DRIVER LICENCE DISQUALIFICATION REFORM

DRIVER LICENCE DISQUALIFICATION REFORM Submission No 23 DRIVER LICENCE DISQUALIFICATION REFORM Organisation: Legal Aid NSW Name: Ms Pilar Lopez Position: Solicitor Date Received: 26/07/2013 INQUIRY INTO DRIVER LICENCE DISQUALIFICATION REFORM

More information

Department of Human Services. Review of the Youth Justice Group Conferencing Program. Final Report. September 2010 This report contains 85 pages

Department of Human Services. Review of the Youth Justice Group Conferencing Program. Final Report. September 2010 This report contains 85 pages Review of the Youth Justice Group Conferencing Final Report This report contains 85 pages Inherent Limitations This report has been prepared as outlined in the Scope Section. The services provided in connection

More information

Child Sexual Abuse in Australia - Recommendations

Child Sexual Abuse in Australia - Recommendations SUBMISSION ISSUES PAPER 7: Statutory Victims of Crime Compensation Schemes Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse June 2014 For further information please contact: Marilyn

More information

Australian Association of Social Workers Incorporated in the ACT ACN 008 576 010 ABN 93 008 576 010. Domestic and Family Violence Position Paper

Australian Association of Social Workers Incorporated in the ACT ACN 008 576 010 ABN 93 008 576 010. Domestic and Family Violence Position Paper Introduction: The Social Work Platform The social work profession is committed to maximising the well being of individuals and society. It considers that individual and societal wellbeing is underpinned

More information

Orange County, Texas Adult Criminal Justice Data Sheet

Orange County, Texas Adult Criminal Justice Data Sheet Orange County, Texas Adult Criminal Justice Data Sheet For more information, contact Dr. Ana Yáñez- Correa at acorrea@texascjc.org, or (512) 587-7010. The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition seeks the implementation

More information

CRIMINAL LAW & YOUR RIGHTS MARCH 2008

CRIMINAL LAW & YOUR RIGHTS MARCH 2008 CRIMINAL LAW & YOUR RIGHTS MARCH 2008 1 What are your rights? As a human being and as a citizen you automatically have certain rights. These rights are not a gift from anyone, including the state. In fact,

More information

CRIMINAL LAW AND VICTIMS RIGHTS

CRIMINAL LAW AND VICTIMS RIGHTS Chapter Five CRIMINAL LAW AND VICTIMS RIGHTS In a criminal case, a prosecuting attorney (working for the city, state, or federal government) decides if charges should be brought against the perpetrator.

More information

Queensland DRUG REHABILITATION (COURT DIVERSION) ACT 2000

Queensland DRUG REHABILITATION (COURT DIVERSION) ACT 2000 Queensland DRUG REHABILITATION (COURT DIVERSION) ACT 2000 Act No. 3 of 2000 Queensland DRUG REHABILITATION (COURT DIVERSION) ACT 2000 Section TABLE OF PROVISIONS PART 1 PRELIMINARY Page 1 Short title.....................................................

More information

Testimony Submitted for the Record. On behalf of the

Testimony Submitted for the Record. On behalf of the Testimony Submitted for the Record On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Catholic Charities USA, and The Society of St. Vincent

More information

MENTAL HEALTH AND PRISONS 1

MENTAL HEALTH AND PRISONS 1 THE CHALLENGE INFORMATION SHEET MENTAL HEALTH AND PRISONS 1 Mental disorders occur at high rates in all countries of the world. An estimated 450 million people world wide suffer from mental or behavioural

More information

Information for witnesses going to court

Information for witnesses going to court Information for witnesses going to court Useful telephone numbers Witness Service...440496 Victim Support...440496 Women s Refuge...08007 356836 (freephone) Citizen s Advice Bureau...08007 350249 (freephone)

More information

Development of Forensic Nursing in Australia: Associate Professor Linda Saunders 4 th December 2008

Development of Forensic Nursing in Australia: Associate Professor Linda Saunders 4 th December 2008 Development of Forensic Nursing in Australia: Associate Professor Linda Saunders 4 th December 2008 Working with Offenders Country Total Criminal Population Population Australia 20,090,437 22,458 Canada

More information

14 September 2012. The Director Criminal Law Review NSW Department of Attorney-General and Justice GPO Box 6 SYDNEY NSW 2001

14 September 2012. The Director Criminal Law Review NSW Department of Attorney-General and Justice GPO Box 6 SYDNEY NSW 2001 14 September 2012 The Director Criminal Law Review NSW Department of Attorney-General and Justice GPO Box 6 SYDNEY NSW 2001 By email: lpclrd@agd.nsw.gov.au Dear Director, RE: INQUIRY INTO THE CONSENT PROVISIONS

More information

Information Sharing: Policy and Procedure Guidelines. Children and Young People Act 2008 Chapter 25 OFFICE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT

Information Sharing: Policy and Procedure Guidelines. Children and Young People Act 2008 Chapter 25 OFFICE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT Information Sharing: Policy and Procedure Guidelines Children and Young People Act 2008 Chapter 25 OFFICE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITY, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

More information

Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club

Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club 2015 Judicial Primary Election Questionnaire Please return to endorsements@libertycity.org by March 9, 2015 Name: Judge Michael Fanning Campaign Address: Friends of Mike

More information

National Seniors welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Inquiry into Elder Abuse in New South Wales (NSW).

National Seniors welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Inquiry into Elder Abuse in New South Wales (NSW). 16 November 2015 The Director General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Parliament House Macquarie St Sydney NSW 2000 Dear Ms Foley Inquiry into elder abuse in New South Wales National Seniors welcomes

More information

Prison Law Team. Leading prison lawyers. We re and we believe everyone has the right to justice and for their voice to be heard.

Prison Law Team. Leading prison lawyers. We re and we believe everyone has the right to justice and for their voice to be heard. We re and we believe everyone has the right to justice and for their voice to be heard. Prison Law Team Leading prison lawyers The firm has a burgeoning prison practice and has been handling an increasing

More information

Assess the purpose of the Criminal Justice System and the role of the Ministry of Justice.

Assess the purpose of the Criminal Justice System and the role of the Ministry of Justice. Assess the purpose of the Criminal Justice System and the role of the Ministry of Justice. Introduction Justice is a concept, a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law or religion

More information

Bail Law SEEKING THE VIEWS OF VICTIMS OF CRIME

Bail Law SEEKING THE VIEWS OF VICTIMS OF CRIME Bail Law SEEKING THE VIEWS OF VICTIMS OF CRIME Tell us what you think We want to know what you think about bail law. Please answer the questions in this brochure or just tell us about your experience as

More information

Model Spent Convictions Bill - Consultation paper

Model Spent Convictions Bill - Consultation paper Model Spent Convictions Bill - Consultation paper Background The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General is working on a project to design a national model Bill for a spent-convictions scheme. A spentconvictions

More information

The Code. for Crown Prosecutors

The Code. for Crown Prosecutors The Code for Crown Prosecutors January 2013 Table of Contents Introduction... 2 General Principles... 3 The Decision Whether to Prosecute... 4 The Full Code Test... 6 The Evidential Stage... 6 The Public

More information

Taking a Stand Responding. Violence

Taking a Stand Responding. Violence Taking a Stand Responding to Domestic Violence Taking a Stand Responding to Domestic Violence POLICY DOCUMENT 3 A message from Premier Jay Weatherill Info graphics have been reproduced with the permission

More information

Working towards the elimination of family and domestic violence in Western Australia

Working towards the elimination of family and domestic violence in Western Australia Working towards the elimination of family and domestic violence in Western Australia Action Plan 2015 Minister s foreword Family and domestic violence is a scourge on our community, permeating all cultures

More information

Inquiry into the out-of-pocket costs in Australian healthcare

Inquiry into the out-of-pocket costs in Australian healthcare Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs - References Committee Inquiry into the out-of-pocket costs in Australian healthcare May 2014 Out-of-pocket costs in Australian healthcare

More information

People with mental health disorders and cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system Cost-benefit analysis of early support and diversion*

People with mental health disorders and cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system Cost-benefit analysis of early support and diversion* People with mental health disorders and cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system Cost-benefit analysis of early support and diversion* AUGUST 2013 Ruth McCausland Eileen Baldry University of

More information

NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY IN REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY IN REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY IN REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Council of Australian Governments A Strategy agreed between: the Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories, being: the

More information

Referring clients to the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre: a guide for youth workers

Referring clients to the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre: a guide for youth workers Referring clients to the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre: a guide for youth workers 1 Introduction The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre is a free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people aged

More information

FACT SHEET: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child

FACT SHEET: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child FACT SHEET: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 1 (Definition of the child): The Convention defines a 'child' as a person below the age of 18, unless the laws

More information

Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/OPSC/VEN/CO/1 Distr.: General 19 September 2014 Original: English ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION Committee on the Rights of the Child Optional Protocol

More information

Undergraduate Criminology Courses

Undergraduate Criminology Courses Undergraduate Criminology Courses CRM 110: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3 Credits) Introduction to the structure and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States: Attention

More information

Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006 No 7

Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006 No 7 New South Wales Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006 No 7 Contents Part 1 Part 2 Preliminary Page 1 Name of Act 2 2 Commencement 2 3 Objects of Act 2 4 Definitions 2 5 Definitions of serious sex offence

More information

LAWYERS AND SOCIAL CHANGE: ACCESS TO JUSTICE HOMLESS PERSONS LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE:

LAWYERS AND SOCIAL CHANGE: ACCESS TO JUSTICE HOMLESS PERSONS LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE: LAWYERS AND SOCIAL CHANGE: ACCESS TO JUSTICE HOMLESS PERSONS LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE: LEGAL ACADEMICS, LAW STUDENTS AND LEGAL PRACTITIONERS: EDUCATION AND ACTION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE Kathleen McEvoy, University

More information

for Albertans We re Here to Help You can reach us by phone or by visiting one of our offices:

for Albertans We re Here to Help You can reach us by phone or by visiting one of our offices: We re Here to Help You can reach us by phone or by visiting one of our offices: Phone 1.866.845.3425 Monday to Friday The phone service enables Albertans across the province, and in the most remote areas,

More information

Maryland Courts, Criminal Justice, and Civil Matters

Maryland Courts, Criminal Justice, and Civil Matters Maryland Courts, Criminal Justice, and Civil Matters Presentation to the New Members of the Maryland General Assembly Department of Legislative Services Office of Policy Analysis Annapolis, Maryland December

More information

in the ALRC Discussion Paper relating to solicitors rules (Question 7-2) and consumer protection (Question 11-1) 1).

in the ALRC Discussion Paper relating to solicitors rules (Question 7-2) and consumer protection (Question 11-1) 1). RESPONSE TO THE EQUITY, CAPACITY AND DISABILITY IN COMMONWEALTH LAWS DISCUSSION PAPER 81 Legal Aid NSW submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission July 2014 Legal Aid NSW welcomes the opportunity

More information

Physical Disability Council of Australia Ltd (PDCA) Response to the. Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee Inquiry

Physical Disability Council of Australia Ltd (PDCA) Response to the. Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee Inquiry PHYSICAL DISABILITY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA LTD P O BOX 77 NORTHGATE QLD 4013 Telephone: 07 3267 1057 Fax: 07 3267 1733 Email: pdca@ozemail.com.au http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pdca a.b.n. 79 081345 164 a.c.n.

More information

ALBERTA S JUSTICE SYSTEM AND YOU

ALBERTA S JUSTICE SYSTEM AND YOU ALBERTA S JUSTICE SYSTEM AND YOU This brochure will give you the facts about your justice system the major participants and the important roles that each plays. In addition, it will help you better understand

More information

THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT: SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND. Department of Justice Canada. Ministère de la Justice Canada

THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT: SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND. Department of Justice Canada. Ministère de la Justice Canada S E R V I N G C A N A D I A N S THE YOUTH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT: SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND Department of Justice Canada Ministère de la Justice Canada Permission to reproduce Information contained in this

More information

Making a Victim Personal Statement. You have a voice in the criminal justice system and have a right to explain how the crime has affected you

Making a Victim Personal Statement. You have a voice in the criminal justice system and have a right to explain how the crime has affected you Making a Victim Personal Statement You have a voice in the criminal justice system and have a right to explain how the crime has affected you CONTENTS About this leaflet What is a Victim Personal Statement

More information

REPORT TO CRIME & DISORDER OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY PANEL. Title: OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. Date: 27 th October 2009

REPORT TO CRIME & DISORDER OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY PANEL. Title: OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. Date: 27 th October 2009 REPORT TO CRIME & DISORDER OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY PANEL Title: OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Date: 27 th October 2009 Officer Reporting: Brian Martin, Community Safety Manager Contact Officer(s):

More information

Submission to the inquiry into domestic violence in Australia SOS Women s Services

Submission to the inquiry into domestic violence in Australia SOS Women s Services SAVE OUR WOMEN S SERVICES Submission to the inquiry into domestic violence in Australia SOS Women s Services For more information visit www.soswomensservices.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter soswomensservices@gmail.com

More information

Written statement of the American Psychological Association. Hearing before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Written statement of the American Psychological Association. Hearing before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary Written statement of the American Psychological Association Hearing before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary Breaking the Cycle: Mental Health and the Justice System February 10, 2016

More information

NAPCAN s strategy is to bring about the changes necessary in individual and community behaviour to stop child abuse and neglect before it starts by:

NAPCAN s strategy is to bring about the changes necessary in individual and community behaviour to stop child abuse and neglect before it starts by: The Director Cyber Safety Policy and Programs Department of Communications GPO Box 2154 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Dear Director, Re: Discussion Paper on Enhancing Online Safety for Children NAPCAN (National Association

More information

Prisoners Aid (ACT) Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Inquiry into sentencing in the ACT ACT Legislative Assembly

Prisoners Aid (ACT) Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Inquiry into sentencing in the ACT ACT Legislative Assembly r " 1 r-:- SUBMISSION NUMBER A.C.T. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY COMMIT'rEE OFFICE I( Prisoners Aid (ACT) DATEAUTH'D l FOR j J... PUBLICATION,_..,...,,,,.,...,.,..,., Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice

More information

LANGUAGE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS

LANGUAGE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS Submission to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs LANGUAGE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Prepared by Terry Priest Research Unit Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning

More information

Victims of Crime. information leaflet. Working together for a safer Scotland

Victims of Crime. information leaflet. Working together for a safer Scotland Working together for a safer Scotland If you have been a victim of crime this leaflet is to help let you know about how to find support and help and to tell you about the criminal justice system. Support

More information