Law Week 11-17 May 2009: Media Releases
One-stop shop for victims of sexual assault [ 44kb]
Five kilometre pro-bono walk to mark Law Week [ 81kb]
Legal services reach out to NSW communities during Law Week 2009 [ 15kb]
Free legal advice in State's west during Law Week [ 28kb]
Law Week sizzles at Lismore Court [ 33kb]
Clued up kids to crack court case at Belmont [ 26kb]
Record turnout expected for Parkes Law Week event [ 26kb]
Drink-driving debate and a fractured fairytale for Wollongong Law Week [ 40kb]
Art by domestic violence victims on display at Campbelltown [ 32kb]
Public seminar: Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System [ 28kb]
One-stop-shop for victims of sexual assault [ 44kb]
Issued: Friday 15 May 2009
A digital one-stop-shop to help for victims of sexual assault is being launched by the Attorney General John Hatzistergos as he called on women who have been attacked to come forward and report the crimes against them to police.
”Sexual assault is an abhorrent crime which destroys the lives of victims and their families,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“It is important that women come forward and report incidents to authorities to ensure that sexual predators don’t get away with these crimes.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the new one-stop website (www.sexualassault.nsw.gov.au) brings together support services and is aimed to make the justice system more accessible for victims and encourage them to come forward.
“This website will be a central source of information for victims who may feel confused or daunted by the prospect of reporting a crime and going through a lengthy court process,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The site brings together helpful information and advice on the law regarding sexual assault and health and social services available for victims.”
“As a Government we will do everything possible to support victims and make sure they get the help they need to recover from their ordeal.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the website included sections including “What is Sexual Assault?” “Support and Counselling” “Safety and Protection” “Reporting to Police” “The Investigation” “Court Processes” and “Resources and Websites.”
Rape Crisis Centre manager Karen Willis said the new website will be a vital resource for agencies and organisations which work with sex assault victims.
“Fear of going to court and a lack of knowledge about the justice system is one of the major reasons rape victims don’t come forward to get help,” said Ms Willis.
“Organisations such as the Rape Crisis Centre will now have a single, easy to understand tool which will prove them with the accurate, up to date information they need to advise victims.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the Government had introduced a major package of legislative reform in recent years to make the justice system more responsive to the needs of victims.
“Accused persons are no longer allowed to personally cross-examine victims and judges are now required to stop lawyers asking questions which might be considered humiliating, insulting or harassing,” he said.
Other recent legislative changes passed by the NSW Parliament include:
- Establishing remote witness facilities and allowing complainants to give evidence via CCTV;
- Creating a presumption that the court will be closed when the victim gives evidence in sexual offence proceedings;
- Requiring the court to impose strict limits what can be published about a victim’s case on the internet and in the media;
- Reforming jury warnings and directions concerning delays by victims in reporting sexual assault;
- Requiring it to be made clear for judges and juries during trials when consent has or has not been given; and
- Expanding the circumstances in which evidence given in an original trial can be used in subsequent trials so that victims don’t have to re-testify.
Five kilometre pro-bono walk to mark Law Week [ 81kb]
Issued: Thursday 14 May
Attorney General John Hatzistergos will tomorrow (Friday) take part in a five kilometre fundraising walk as part of activities to mark Law Week.
Mr Hatzistergos will be joined on Law Walk for Justice by Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland to raise money and awareness for pro-bono work.
“Pro-bono work is an important tradition as it is the legal profession’s way of giving back to the community and helping vulnerable people,” he said.
The walk is a national event raising funds for the Public Interest Law Clearing House. Walks will occur simultaneously in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on Friday, May 15. The Sydney walk will start and end at the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park, leaving at 7:00am.
Funds raised will be used by the Clearing House to improve access to justice by facilitating pro bono legal services and undertaking law reform, policy work and legal education.
Mr Hatzistergos said pro-bono work was provided in NSW by organisations including Legal Aid, LawAccess and community legal centres.
Mr Hatzistergos said he was pleased by the announcement on the weekend by the Commonwealth Attorney-General one-off funding to be provided in 08/09 for these legal assistance programs in NSW. These includes:
- $4.4 million to Legal Aid NSW to assist with funding pressures
- $1 million to Community Legal Centres most in need located throughout NSW, and
- $1.1 million to the Aboriginal Legal Service of NSW and the ACT.
“During these difficult economic times, this announcement is a step in the right direction for disadvantaged members of the NSW community,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
Mr Hatzistergos said pro-bono work was also promoted by the Law Society and Bar Association each maintain a pro-bono referral service, as does the Public Interest Law Clearing House and the NSW Legal Assistance Forum.
In additional, the Attorney General’s Department recently convened the first meeting of key stakeholders to explore what government can do to better coordinate the provision of pro bono services in NSW.
Registration for the pro bono walk is $10 per walker or $80 per team of 10 walkers. All walkers are also encouraged to seek sponsors using our sponsorship form. To enter, download a form from www.pilchnsw.org.au.
Other Law Week activities across the State are listed at www.lawweek.org.au.
Legal services reach out to NSW communities during Law Week 2009 [[ 15kb]
Issued: Wednesday 6 May 2009
The community will have a chance to access free legal information next week as the state’s key bodies join to bring services directly to the public for National Law Week 2009.
A number of events, seminars and workshops will be held across NSW offering free legal information in line with this year’s theme “The Law and Your Community”.
The President of the Law Society of NSW, Joe Catanzariti today said Law Week is crucial in promoting public understanding of the law and how to access legal services and advice.
“Most people find the law and obtaining legal information quite intimidating. The aim of this year’s Law Week is to educate the public about the law and highlight services that are available,” Mr Catanzariti said.
“Law Week is an excellent opportunity to find answers to a range of legal issues whether it be making a will, accessing pro bono legal advice or asking about your financial rights and responsibilities. For young people it’s a chance to learn about the justice system.”
A range of Law Week events will be held throughout the Sydney CBD, metropolitan and regional NSW that will aim to cover topics including:
- family law
- legal issues for older people such as wills & Power of Attorney retirement villages and the law
- neighbourhood disputes
- property issues concerning strata, tenancy, local government and planning law, buying and selling a home
- financial rights and responsibilities, mortgage debt and stress
- domestic and family violence, and
- immigration law.
Open Days will be held at various local courts across NSW together with mock-trial exercises and debates for school students. A Law Week Roadshow, co-ordinated by the Legal Aid Commission of NSW in partnership with other legal services, will also travel from Dubbo to Nyngan offering free information and workshops.
On Friday 15 May senior members of the legal profession will be joined by their colleagues in a Walk for Justice around the Sydney Harbour foreshore to raise awareness and promote the importance of pro bono work.
“Law Week caters for everyone in the community. I encourage as many members of the public to get involved and take advantage of the services and events being held across NSW,” Mr Catanzariti said.
For a full list of law week events held in your area, please visit www.lawweek.com.au.
Law Week is sponsored by the NSW Motor Accidents Authority and led by the Law Society of New South Wales, in partnership with the Attorney General’s Department of NSW, the New South Wales Bar Association, the Legal Aid Commission of NSW, the New South Wales Police Force, the New South Wales Department of Education and Training, the Motor Accidents Authority and the Legal Information Access Centre. Law Week will run from May 11-17 2009.
Free legal advice in State’s west during Law Week [ 28kb]
Issued: Friday 1 May 2009
A legal services road show will tour Western NSW during Law Week to provide free assistance to people having legal problems, Attorney General John Hatzistergos said.
“Legal problems can cause considerable stress, yet in some cases all you might need is half an hour with a lawyer to determine a solution,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Five legal service providers will accompany the road show, which will visit Dubbo (Sunday, 10 May), Coonamble (Monday, 11 May), Walgett (Tuesday, 12 May), Brewarrina (Wednesday, 13 May), Bourke (Thursday, 14 May) and Nyngan (Friday 15 May).
The services include Legal Aid NSW, Victims of Crime Bureau and LawAccess NSW, Older Persons Legal and Education Service and the Western NSW Community Legal Service.
“The road show will participate in open days at courthouses, deliver free talks for older people and host seminars about services available to victims of crime, and families and friends of missing people,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Assistance will also be available on issues including debt, discrimination, accidents, fines, insurance, access to children and child support.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the theme of Law Week 2009, which begins on May 11, is “The Law and Your Community.”
“These events aim to reach out to people in regional areas who might not be aware of the free legal services available to them,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Legal Aid will also visit Aboriginal communities in Collarenebri (Monday, 11 May), Goodooga (Tuesday, 12 May), Lightning Ridge (Wednesday, 13 May) and Moree (Friday, 15 May) to publicise the approaching deadline for claims to the Aboriginal Trust Fund Repayment Scheme. Many Aboriginal people have yet to claim wages, pensions and child endowment payments that were held in trust by the NSW Government until 1969, and never repaid. The deadline for all claims in NSW is 31 May 2009.
Court House open days - Free legal information and assistance will be available at:
DUBBO COURTHOUSE
Sunday 10 May 2009
10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Brisbane Street, Dubbo | COONAMBLE COURTHOUSE
Monday 11 May 2009
3.00 – 4.30pm
Aberford Street, Coonamble | WALGETT COURTHOUSE
Tuesday 12 May 2009
10.30 am – 2.30 pm
Wee Waa Street, Walgett |
BOURKE COURTHOUSE
Thursday 14 May 2009
11.30 am – 2.30 pm
Oxley Street, Bourke | BREWARRINA MEMORIAL PARK
Wednesday 13 May 2009
11.00 am – 3.00 pm
Brewarrina | NYNGAN COURT HOUSE
Friday 15 May 2009
11.00 am – 12.00 noon
Cobar Street, Nyngan |
Law Week sizzles at Lismore Court [ 33kb]
Issued: Tuesday 28 April 2009
The Lismore community will be fully briefed on the law and legal services available to them by their Local Court this Law Week, culminating in free barbecues at the Courthouse.
“This year Law Week will be run from 11-17 May 2009, with a theme of The Law and Your Community.
“Knowledge of the law is valuable at any age and we are reaching out to the whole community of Lismore, particularly school students,” said Senior Registrar of Lismore Courthouse, Michael Knock.
Court staff will be speaking at local primary schools on 11 May on the fundamental rules of the law, using the publication Why Should I? as a teaching resource and answering students’ questions.
Bookings are being taken for sessions in high schools which will feature the screening of the DVDs So you have to go to Court, Getting Arrested - What to do, or Bail Conditions – Don’t break them, it’s just not worth it. Court staff and sheriffs will then be available to answer questions.
Schools wishing to book a session should phone Lismore Courthouse’s Deputy Registrar Karryn Gavenlock on 66233618.
On Wednesday 13 May, 2009 there are also a number of tours organised where the community can be escorted through the courthouse and newly renovated police station. Community members and/or school groups wishing to book into these tours should also contact Ms Gavenlock.
Free community barbecues will be held at the front of the Lismore Court Complex in Zadoc Street, Lismore, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 May, 2009 and Thursday 14 May, 2009.
“These barbecues are a wonderful opportunity for all members of the community to come along and meet local representatives of the law,” Mr Knock said.
“They can chat with their BBQ chef who could be a local Sheriff’s Officer, Registrar of the court, Coroner, Police Officer, court staffer, Circle Sentencing coordinator, Community Justice Group coordinator, Corrective Services officer, Probation and Parole representative, Mental Health Liaison Nurse or Jury Duty coordinator.”
Clued up kids to crack court case at Belmont [ 26kb]
Issued: Thursday 30 April 2009
Students from East Lake Macquarie primary schools will play the role of a detective at Belmont Courthouse next Tuesday, when they attempt to solve a case involving a fictitious hit and run incident.
In the lead-up to the event, evidence has been gradually supplied to the students to help them build a case against a suspect.
“According to the evidence, three teenage boys were apprehended while attempting to flee the scene of the hit and run,” said Belmont deputy registrar Catherine Piper.
“Each suspect denies being the driver and the student sleuths will need to sort through witness statements and forensic reports to determine the truth.”
Student investigation teams representing the six schools will each be given 15 minutes to present their case to a panel of experts.
The panel, which includes a retired magistrate, a local solicitor and a police officer, will award a trophy to the team that delivers the best presentation.
“The Year 6 students will be assessed on their ability to weigh up the evidence, identify the offender and prove their case beyond reasonable doubt,” said Mrs Piper.
“Investigation teams will receive extra points if they deliver their findings creatively and we hope to see some dramatisations or multimedia displays.”
The students will also be given the opportunity to ask the panel questions about the law and career options within the profession.
“The event is a great way for students to learn how the legal system works in a fun, stimulating and interactive environment,” Mrs Piper said.
“It will also deliver important road safety messages and demonstrate the consequences of breaking the law.”
The student presentations will be conducted from 9am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 5 at Belmont Courthouse, 530 Pacific Highway, Belmont.
The event is linked to National Law Week, which runs from 11-17 May. Law Week aims to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society. The theme of Law Week 2009 is ‘The Law and Your Community’.
Editor’s note: The event at Belmont Courthouse is being held prior to Law Week to ensure that it does not clash with students’ exams.
Record turnout expected for Parkes Law Week event [ 26kb]
Issued: Thursday 30 April 2009
Up to 90 Parkes and district high school students are expected to take part in a confronting role-playing exercise during Law Week that will highlight the risks of drink driving.
The role-play will involve a teenage motorist, played by a student, who is arrested after failing a random breath test.
“The other students will watch on as the teenager is charged at Parkes Police Station,” said Bev Walker, Registrar of Parkes Courthouse.
“The drama will then move into the courthouse, where the students will participate in a mock trial of the teenager.”
The students will play the roles of various court participants with assistance from police prosecutors, solicitors, probation officers and court officers.
Road safety and injury prevention officers from the Roads and Traffic Authority NSW (RTA) and Parkes Shire Council will also speak to the students about the dangers of drink driving.
According to the RTA, young drivers are over-represented in all fatal crashes in NSW, including drink driving and fatigue. Despite making up only 15 per cent of drivers, young drivers represent around 36 per cent of annual road fatalities.
“Several local high school students from the Parkes area have been killed in motor vehicle accidents in recent years,” said Ms Walker.
“The purpose of this event is to save lives and demonstrate that drink driving is a serious crime.”
Ms Walker said the number of students booked in for this year’s Law Week event was almost double last year’s intake.
Event Details
When: Thursday, 14 May 2009 from 9.30am and 1.00pm
Where: Parkes Courthouse and Police Station
Any further enquiries may be directed to Bev Walker, Registrar of Parkes Courthouse on 6862 1944.
National Law Week aims to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society. The theme of Law Week 2009 is ‘The Law and Your Community’.
Drink-driving debate and a fractured fairytale for Wollongong Law Week [ 40kb]
Issued: Friday 1 May 2009
A debate about a hypothetical case involving young people who drink and drive on school formal night will be among the highlights of Wollongong Courthouse’s Law Week program.
“The whole community, especially school students, are invited to our events to help make the law more understandable,” said Senior Registrar at Wollongong Courthouse, Kathy Frost.
A classic fairytale will be transformed into an entertaining lesson about the law in a play to be staged at the courthouse.
“Our play this year turns the Cinderella story into a criminal trial, written by a local barrister and acted out by practising lawyers and law students. It helps make the court experience easier to follow and less intimidating,” said Ms Frost.
Law Week runs from 11 to 17 May. Events at Wollongong include:
- Opening Ceremony at 9.30am on Monday 11 May featuring a NSW District Court judge and Local Court magistrate
- Hypothetical at the University of Wollongong from noon to 2pm on Tuesday, 12 May, sponsored by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, on the consequences when a group of young people mix drugs, alcohol and speed on the night of the Year 12 formal. Local criminal law barrister Ms Jane Healey will adjudicate. The expert panel will feature a District Court criminal judge, the local area police commander, a journalist and the organ donation co-ordinator at Wollongong Hospital.
- The Fairy Godmother runs into trouble on her way to rescue Cinderella in a criminal trial to be held at Wollongong Court from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 14 May
- Dr Grant McBride, Forensic Pathologist, who will give talks at the Courthouse at 11 am on Monday 11 May, Wednesday 13 May and Thursday 14 May
- Poster competition for primary schools, with the entries displayed at the Courthouse during Law Week
Art by domestic violence victims on display at Campbelltown [ 32kb]
Issued: Tuesday 5 May 2009
A group of women, who have suffered domestic violence, have told their stories in artworks to be displayed at an Aboriginal art exhibition at Campbelltown Courthouse.
The exhibition, to be launched on the first day of Law Week (Monday, May 11), features paintings by the Macarthur-based Aboriginal Women’s Group who have also written a book about their experiences of domestic violence titled “Sister Girl Yarnz”.
“Domestic violence is a crime that often goes unreported and it is hoped that the courage displayed by the Women’s Group in speaking out will inspire others to report abuse,” said Gary Stewart, Aboriginal Client Services Specialist at Campbelltown Courthouse.
Local artists Randall Green, Jan Shipley and Allison Croall have contributed contemporary decorative designs and traditional Aboriginal weavings to the exhibition. Mr Stewart said the exhibition would also include art by detainees at Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre.
“It is heartening to see young Aboriginal people in custody developing their artistic skills and taking positive steps towards rehabilitation,” Mr Stewart said.
A judging panel, featuring a District Court judge and a magistrate, will inspect the artworks and award prizes at the exhibition launch.
Mr Stewart said the Law Week exhibition, which is in its third year, was symbolic of the increasingly cooperative relationship between the courts and the local Aboriginal community.
The Aboriginal art exhibition will be held from 11 May to 22 May. Selected artworks will be for sale, with all proceeds to go directly to the artist.
Other Law Week events in the Macarthur region will include a legal services open day at Campbelltown Council Civic Centre on 14 May and a mock trial at the University of Western Sydney on 15 May.
Events will be held nationwide during Law Week to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society.
The launch of the art exhibition will be held from 6pm-8pm, Monday 11 May at Campbelltown Courthouse, corner of Railway Parade and Hurley St.
Public seminar: Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System [ 28kb]
Issued by the Law Reform Commission: Tuesday 5 May 2009
What really happens to people who are found “not guilty by reason of mental illness”?
How do courts deal with people who do not have the mental capacity to participate in a trial?
Are there any special options available to the court if a person with a cognitive or mental health impairment has committed a criminal offence?
The Hon Greg James, President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal, and Alison Merridew of the NSW Law Reform Commission will answer these questions, and raise more, at the New South Wales Law Reform Commission’s seminar on “People with Cognitive and Mental Health Impairments in the Criminal Justice System”.
The Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, the Hon James Wood AO QC, says: “Mental health and cognitive impairments affect a large number of people in the community, too many of whom find their way into the criminal justice system.”
“While there have been some important recent changes to the law, other aspects were developed over 200 years ago. A more modern approach is needed to address the complex issues which affect these people in the criminal justice system.”
A free public seminar, part of Law Week 2009, will be held on Monday 11 May from 12.30pm to 1.30pm in the Jubilee Room of NSW Parliament House. Refreshments will be provided.
“All members of the community, mental health and disability sectors, and legal profession who are interested in discussing these important issues, which impact on some of the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system, are encouraged to attend,” the LRC Chairperson said.
The community is invited to celebrate Law Week 2009 “The Law and Your Community” 11 – 17 May.
Bookings can be made by contacting Wendy_Stokoe@agd.nsw.gov.au, telephone: 8061 9270.
|
|
