Abstract: This paper uses information compiled from a broad range of sources to create an accurate and holistic picture of crime and criminal justice issues in Australia. Within this volume are the patterns and trends relating to specific crimes, victims, offenders, the location of criminal acts and the operation and cost of the criminal justice...

Babies born in detention are taking the federal government to court. Meanwhile, being locked up is making their parents dangerously ill. When Sister Brigid Arthur first encountered “Ana” she was “sparky,” despite being in detention. She appeared physically and mentally well, and was as excited as “the brightest young mother-to-be” about the imminent birth of...

This paper explains recent High Court decisions on the constitutional validity of a funding agreement under the Commonwealth's National School Chaplaincy Program. Introduction In July 2012 the NSW Parliamentary Research Service published an e-brief on the High Court’s decision in the first School Chaplains case – Williams v Commonwealth of Australia. That case concerned the...

The time taken to finalise trial cases in the District Criminal Court has increased significantly, according to this report. Introduction: This report deals with criminal cases finalised in 2013 in the New South Wales (NSW) Local, Children’s, District and Supreme Courts. In contrast to prior NSW Criminal Court reports, this report includes an expanded range...

This paper outlines the results of recent Australian research studies on public attitudes to sentencing. Introduction The former NSW Chief Justice, James Spigelman AC QC, commented that “sentencing engages the interest, and sometimes the passion, of the public at large more than anything else judges do”. Public opinion on sentencing is important for two main...