The purpose of these public hearings was to hear from Aboriginal leaders working in the area of criminal justice as part of Yoorrook’s inquiry into the harm done to First Peoples by unjust laws and practices within this system.

Witnesses gave evidence about issues including:

- Police and prisons being used to deal with First Peoples experiencing mental health and homelessness issues
- First Peoples being incarcerated for crimes of poverty
- The connection between domestic violence and the incarceration of Aboriginal - women
- The disproportionate use of tasers on and strip searches of First Peoples, including children, by police
- The need to raise the age of criminal responsibility
- The impact of failing to implement changes to Victoria’s public drunkenness laws
- The need for independent police oversight and better training of police to improve interactions with First Peoples
- The need to reform the Bail Act to reduce deaths in custody
- The benefits of expanding the Koori Court and the need to develop a specialist state-wide Children’s Court
- The lack of readily available and culturally appropriate healthcare in prisons
- A need for better training and cultural knowledge for all legal professionals
- That self-determination should represent actual decision-making power rather than consultation or codesign with First Peoples

Criminal justice system hearing – Day 6

The purpose of these public hearings is to hear from Community members with first-hand experience of the child protection and criminal justice systems.

The second week, commencing March 6, will centre on Victoria’s criminal justice system, including the need to reform bail laws to stop people being unnecessarily imprisoned in pre-trial detention, the age of criminal responsibility, and police accountability systems. The Commission will hear evidence from First Peoples who have been involved in the adult and youth criminal justice systems and their families, as well as advocates and experts.

Criminal justice system hearing - Community Voices Day 1

Criminal justice system hearing - Community Voices Day 3

Yoorrook Commissioners and counsel questioned Victoria's Attorney-General The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MLC about Victoria's criminal justice system.

Yoorrook is Victoria’s truth telling inquiry and a Royal Commission investigating systemic injustices experienced by First Peoples.

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

You can make a submission at: 
https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/have-your-say/make-a-submission/

You can also keep up to date with the Yoorrook Justice Commission on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoorrookJusticeCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yoorrookjc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoorrook/

Criminal justice systems hearing - Government and departmental day 6

Watch as Yoorrook Commissioners and counsel question the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton APM and the Minister for Police, The Hon. Anthony Carbines MP.

Yoorrook is Victoria’s truth telling inquiry and a Royal Commission investigating systemic injustices experienced by First Peoples.

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

You can make a submission at: 
https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/have-your-say/make-a-submission/

You can also keep up to date with the Yoorrook Justice Commission on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoorrookJusticeCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yoorrookjc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoorrook/

Criminal justice systems hearing - Government and departmental day 7

The Commissioners and counsel questioned the Minister for Corrections and Youth Justice about Victoria's criminal justice system. Then the Executive Director West Division and the Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Self Determination and Outcomes from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing  about Victoria's child protection system.

Yoorrook is Victoria’s truth telling inquiry and a Royal Commission investigating systemic injustices experienced by First Peoples.

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

You can make a submission at: 
https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/have-your-say/make-a-submission/

You can also keep up to date with the Yoorrook Justice Commission on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoorrookJusticeCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yoorrookjc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoorrook/

Child protection and criminal justice systems hearing - Government and departmental day 10

Introduction: The criminal justice system is designed to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all individuals. However, persistent racial disparities within the system raise concerns about systemic discrimination and unequal access to justice. In this blog post, we will explore the issue of racial disparities in the criminal justice system, examining the root causes and proposing potential reforms to address this pressing concern.

Understanding the Scope of Racial Disparities: The first step in addressing racial disparities is to understand their scope and impact. By examining data, statistics, and research, we can identify the disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic minorities at various stages of the criminal justice system. This includes disparities in arrests, prosecutions, sentencing, and incarceration rates. Presenting this information will help raise awareness and highlight the urgent need for reform.
Identifying Root Causes: To effectively address racial disparities, it is crucial to identify the root causes behind these inequities. Factors such as biased policing, racial profiling, socioeconomic disparities, and discriminatory sentencing practices contribute to the overrepresentation of racial minorities in the criminal justice system. Analyzing these causes can inform targeted interventions and reforms.
Proposed Reforms: a. Police Reform: Implementing comprehensive police reform measures is essential for reducing racial disparities. This includes policies that promote unbiased policing, prohibit racial profiling, and enhance accountability through mechanisms such as body cameras and civilian oversight. Additionally, investing in community policing initiatives and building trust between law enforcement and marginalized communities can help foster positive relationships.
b. Sentencing Reform: Addressing discriminatory sentencing practices is crucial in reducing racial disparities. This involves revisiting mandatory minimum sentences, which disproportionately affect minority communities, and promoting evidence-based sentencing approaches. Emphasizing rehabilitation and diversion programs instead of solely relying on incarceration can lead to fairer outcomes.

Justin Magnuson - Addressing Racial Disparities In The Criminal Justice System.

Truth, integrity and mercy always Matters in the criminal law, in 
Crime & lawlessness, out of control crime has increased.  Many times our legislator change the definition of crimes, incarceration, and bail, The New York Times reported that in New York City, 327 people were collectively arrested over 6,000 times for shoplifting.
In Ca. there is over 600,000 arrest per year, 98% plea out.  Its a revolving door into the Criminal Justice System.  Its in need of reform.

Truth, integrity and mercy always Matters

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on his early experiences in trial law as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Magistrate's Court in Hyattsville, Maryland. Despite his lack of experience at the time, Mr. Small expresses gratitude for the patient and educational atmosphere of the court, especially the magistrate, who taught him many valuable lessons. Mr. Small highlights three core themes he learned during his training: know your court, tell your story and do the right thing. These themes will be addressed in the next three episodes of this series. 

Real Justice for Real People

Heather Cessna talks about why she is resigning as executive director of the Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services, and the constitutional crisis created by decades of underfunding public defense work.

Kansas neglect of public defenders creates constitutional crisis

Justin Magnuson is the President of the Justice Reform Foundation and CEO of Magnuson Capital. A successful serial entrepreneur, he transformed the neurodiagnostic testing landscape with his company, Stratus Neuro. His experiences navigating the justice system fueled his passion for reform, inspiring him to establish the Justice Reform Foundation to advocate for change and assist those unjustly impacted.

The Kansas Reflector Podcast, hosted by senior reporter Tim Carpenter, presents voices from the people and politics of Kansas.

New tracks tagged #criminal justice system