The President’s Role in Shaping Crime Policy
The election of Donald Trump came at a time of widespread dissatisfaction with traditional politics and discontent with the perceived direction of the nation when it comes to both domestic and international policies, including criminal justice. The tension between the...
The National DNA Database Is Watching You
Back in 2012, then NSW police minister Michael Gallacher proposed the establishment of a national DNA database, suggesting that genetic samples be taken from all newborns. The stored information could then be accessed under a Supreme Court warrant, and compared...
The Cop Who Helped Reduce Street Crime
Rather than employing heavy-handed tactics and a punitive approach when dealing with anti-social teens, police in the Western Sydney suburb of Blacktown have been tackling youth crime a different way. And the results speak for themselves. When police superintendent Mark...
Far Right Wing Politics – Fanning the Flames of Hate
It’s a month into Trump’s presidency, and in that time we’ve seen him produce a range executive orders delivering on several campaign promises: the defunct, soon-to-be newly-revised, Muslim ban, the $21.6 billion US-Mexican border wall proposal and a crackdown on undocumented migrants....
The Netherlands is Helping the Homeless, While We’re Criminalising Them
As in many developed countries, it’s becoming increasing rare for people in the Netherlands to carry cash, as electronic payment technologies are embraced for a wide variety of transactions. However, a section of society that’s being left behind by these...
Lawyers Call for Criminal Charges Against Australian Government
In a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Stanford International Human Rights Clinic have described the “harrowing practices of the Australian state and corporations towards asylum seekers” as a crime against...
NT Juvenile Justice to Focus on Prevention, Rather than Incarceration
The Northern Territory government will spend an extra $18.2 million annually to overhaul its troubled juvenile justice system, focusing on prevention and diversion rather than incarceration. “… we have to make sure we prevent crime before it occurs,” NT Chief...
Queensland Police to Get More Power
Normally, police across Australia require a warrant or a reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing before they are permitted to subject individuals to a personal search. However, police in Queensland are set to be given extra powers in time for the April...
“Good People Don’t Smoke Marijuana”: New US Chief Lawyer an Obstacle to Reform
US President Donald Trump has named Jeff Sessions as the US Attorney General, the chief lawyer and prosecutor for the federal government. There are concerns Mr Session’s appointment will mean the end of proposals designed to reduce the US prison...
CCTV Cameras May Soon Record Audio
The mayor of Moreton Bay says it’s necessary for public safety. Many aren’t happy ‘Big Brother will be listening in to their private conversations. The Queensland Law Society says it may breach state listening device laws. Moreton Bay Council, just...
