Full Description
Australian Criminal Justice provides a complete overview of the criminal justice process. It analyses the influences that shape criminal justice and critically examines the institutional and administrative features of its operation in all jurisdictions. With a unique blend of theory, practice, critique and context, this book guides readers step by step through the stages of a case - from investigation to sentencing. It also explores the social context of the criminal justice system in terms of the rights of the individual, community responsibilities and international guarantees. Now in its fifth edition Australian Criminal Justice has been the definitive guide to the subject for more than 20 years.
Contents
Introduction 1. Criminal Responsibility IntroductionAims and functions of the criminal lawSources, prescriptions and influences on the criminal lawElements of a crimeExtensions of criminal responsibilityConclusion2. Police Investigation IntroductionBalancing public interestsSearch and seizureArrest and detentionInterrogationInformers'Pretext conversations'Eyewitness identificationConclusion3. Expanding Crime Investigation IntroductionNew methods, new agendas?Australian Crime Commission (ACC) (formerly National Crime Authority (NCA))Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)Ramification for individual rightsConclusion4. Pre-Trial IntroductionDiscretionSieving the systemPre-trial police decision-makingPre-trial obligations of the prosecution and defence-pre-trial hearingsProsecutor's pre-trial decision-makingDefence pre-trial decision-makingCommittal hearingAbuse of process in pre-trialConclusion5. Trial IntroductionThe Higher CourtsThe Lower CourtsConclusion6. Evidence IntroductionProofPresenting evidenceAdmission and use of evidenceConclusion7. Punishment and Penalty IntroductionCrime and punishmentPrinciples of punishmentThe demise of retribution?PenaltyCorrectional models of punishmentPunishment and welfarePenal reformConclusion8. Sentencing IntroductionSentencing aimsThe sentencing hearingFacts relevant to sentencingSentencing disparity and problems with quantum of punishmentRemedies for achieving just sentencingSentencing policy and public opinionMandatory sentencesSentencing drug-dependent offendersConclusion9. Appeals IntroductionAppeal against convictionAppeal against sentencingConclusion10. And Justice for All?IntroductionJuvenilesAboriginal peopleWomenIntellectually disabled peopleCorporationsDiscriminatory consequences of the criminal justice processVictims of crimeCombating terrorismConclusion
