Kerri D.’s Post

Justice is a fundamental principle in society, but its application and accessibility often present complex issues. In the Northern Territory, the complexity of legal systems, socioeconomic inequalities, and racial bias and bigotry result in a justice system that is more accessible to some than to others. Economic disparities, such as the cost of legal representation, leave the economically disadvantaged in a precarious position, leading them to either forego legal representation or resort to less experienced legal aid defenders. Social barriers, such as language difficulties and cultural misunderstandings, further complicate access, particularly for Indigenous Australians. The psychological impact of navigating the justice system is significant, with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds often experiencing alienation and mistrust towards legal institutions. This widens the gap in access to justice, leading to a cycle of disadvantage. In criminal justice, the disparity in access to legal resources often results in a cycle of disadvantage, with young individuals from marginalised communities often being ensnared in the criminal system for minor offences. Australia provides a pertinent context to examine these issues, with glaring disparities in how justice is accessed and administered, particularly for Indigenous Australians. Recent enquiries and reports on wrongful convictions and police misconduct highlighted the urgent need for reforms to ensure equal access and administration. Addressing these disparities requires a sober and honest approach, including increasing funding for legal aid services, simplifying processes, and implementing victim advocates. #security #securityawareness #justice #legalsystem #representation #reform #victimadvocates #simplify #economics #equality

Last year, Hon Chief Justice CJ Martha Koome launched a national people-centred justice strategy for the Kenyan Judiciary (#STAJ) – a world first. This would never have been possible without first having consistent and accurate data to understand the justice needs of Kenyans, and thereby the opportunities for people-centred justice strategies to have a real impact. In this article, we examine how this momentous milestone came to pass, and what other countries can learn from it. https://lnkd.in/ekC-pr_x #KenyaJustice #PeopleCentredJustice #JusticeReform

“Some­times you hear that restora­tive jus­tice is too lenient or soft on crime.” The policy paper, "Justice for All: How Restorative Justice Mutually Benefits Victims and Youth," published by R Street Institute with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, demonstrates how the value of restorative justice transcends misperceptions about ideological misalignment. The paper also features: 🔍 An explanation of how restorative practices are transforming youth justice systems nationwide. 📊 Highlighted evaluations of several restorative justice programs, including CW’s Restorative Justice Diversion program. 💡 Practical recommendations for effective implementation. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gYZ8gZm7. #RestorativeJustice #YouthJustice #RStreetInstitute #AnnieECaseyFoundation

https://bit.ly/3wIZWxD #lawyersoflinkedin'... One consequence of this lack of data is that the justice system, particularly in areas of civil and administrative law, fails to benefit from the broad networks of think-tanks, researchers and evidence intermediaries that promote effective decision making and service design in other areas of social policy. For example, the justice sector has no equivalent to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, who play a vital role in ensuring that initiatives proposed in healthcare meet rigorous evidence standards and uphold patient safety ...-

In my latest "Relationships Matter" interview with Kevin Sauntry, a former youth worker in the UK, we discuss Kevin's personal and professional background, his youth work philosophy and his approach to connecting with young people. We talk about the importance of being "real" and authentic when interacting with young people, the value of feeling cared for, challenges that may arise in relating, including inappropriate attractions, and handling difficult situations with delicacy. We examine the deficit-focused way that professionals typically engage with people from deprived communities rather than focusing on strengths and Kevin gives a plethora of inspiring examples of community activism from his own experience. We consider how residents in communities with low community efficacy are hard to mobilise due to being in a closed, shutdown state in order to survive. We discuss the challenges of policing youth crime and the fact that restrictive, shame-based social norms can prevent youth workers from having needed open, honest conversations with teenagers who are participating in risky sexual behaviour, taking drugs or other potentially damaging conduct. We talk about politics and public policy, the plight of asylum-seekers and countering racism in every day life, including the importance of ordinary people challenging misinformation in conversations with friends and loved ones. See https://lnkd.in/eWQfKUSV #youthwork #community #poverty #adversity #trauma #crime #violence #bikers #youngpeople #relationships #authenticity #caring #boundaries #empowerment #deficits #choice #safety #integrity #communication #behaviour #sexuality #drugs #harmreduction #honestconversations #racism #asylumseekers #policy #politics #humanrights #inclusion

Trials That Changed Lives: Seeking Justice for All #consequencesofdomesticviolence #corruptinginfluenceofprivilege #fightingforjustice #fragilityofhumanlife #futurelegalproceedings #policereform #publicopinion #watchedtrials2023

New Blog - Judicial Services and Their Impact on Local Communities: A Closer Look In every society, the judicial system stands as a pillar of justice and order. But beyond its primary role, the judiciary profoundly impacts local communities in multifaceted ways. From decisions that influence community health and safety to the adoption of restorative justice programs, the judiciary's reach extends far beyond the courtroom. This article delves into the broader implications of judicial services on communities, highlighting the efficacy of alternative sentencing, the role of judges in fostering community relations, and the tangible benefits of restorative justice initiatives. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3R0uAd4

For the speed readers amongst you, you’ll need less than 5mins to read about JUSTICE’s brand new initiative (read below). My perspective: A fair, well-functioning justice system is a necessary foundation for thriving societies, strong democracies, and robust economies. But rather than serving as a stable bedrock enabling us all to live together and flourish, widening cracks across our justice system are ruining lives and harming public trust and efficiency. Better data and evidence-gathering are key first steps towards turning this situation around. Over JUSTICE’s history, the organisation has transformed the legal landscape for the better, led by evidence, expertise, and a focus on practical solutions. Having developed and guided transformational change before, we know it can be done. And, as the only non-governmental organisation whose work spans the whole UK justice system, we are uniquely placed to begin building the data and evidence infrastructure the sector so badly needs, to better help the people we serve. I’m really pleased we have commissioned Dr. Natalie Byrom to do this work on JUSTICE’s behalf, with the important support and funding from The Access to Justice Foundation - thank you to both Natalie and Clare Carter for your advice, collegiate approach and ambition. I look forward to the conclusion of this first stage, to figuring out our next steps and building a collaboration of support to realise this vision.

Trials That Changed Lives: Seeking Justice for All #consequencesofdomesticviolence #corruptinginfluenceofprivilege #fightingforjustice #fragilityofhumanlife #futurelegalproceedings #policereform #publicopinion #watchedtrials2023

Our Paths to Justice Summit Series, launched in 2021, focused on the ways our justice system needed to adapt in the wake of the pandemic. Our latest report underscores the importance of a people-centered approach, embracing technology, and promoting diversity, advocating for an ongoing commitment to progress within the interconnected civil justice system. https://lnkd.in/gVZ5x2Xn