Law Report

Tuesday 06 January 2009

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Intellectually disabled people and the NSW courts

Intellectually disabled people form only two per cent of the population. But they account for a quarter of the people who appear before the NSW local courts. Why the over-representation? Despite programs aimed at diverting people from the courts, many fall between the cracks. The help they need isn't available, so they keep on offending, keep coming back to court, and all too often they end up in jail.
First broadcast 27 May 2008  Read Transcript

Tuesday 30 December 2008

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Lawyers and depression

Lawyers are a competitive, status-conscious, high achieving bunch. But they are currently clutching a first place trophy that nobody wants. Surveys of professionals in both the USA and Australia put lawyers at the top of the list when it comes to the incidence of depression. Why? Is it the type of person attracted into the industry? Is it the job itself? Or is it the way legal workplaces are organised?
First broadcast 25 March 2008  Read Transcript

Tuesday 23 December 2008

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Coronial inquests

Follow the journey of three grieving Queensland families. After their mentally ill sons were shot dead by police they put their faith in the coronial process, but all three families are deeply disappointed by the coronial inquest—and by the final report which was handed down in March. They feel no lessons have been learned and similar tragedies will keep on happening.
First broadcast 15 April 2008  Read Transcript

Tuesday 16 December 2008

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Public sector whistleblowers

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How well do we protect people who step forward and point out fraud, mal-administration or misconduct?  Read Transcript

Tuesday 09 December 2008

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Lacking insight

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Victoria's Mental Health Review Board reviews decisions to forcibly hospitalise and treat those who lack insight into their mental illness. But a new report suggests that it's the Board that lacks insight, and it should consider dumping its psychiatrist member. Who's wagging the finger at the doctors? Why, the lawyers of course!  Read Transcript