Unmet victim needs…

 Jan 31, 2014

 National Justice Network – Arlène Gaudreault,   Heidi Illingworth, Steve Sullivan & Irvin Waller, Ph.D.
Addressing the Unmet Needs of Crime Victims in Canada  

 The distinguished authors are advocating for what Susan Hermann, former Executive Director of the US National Center for Victims of Crime, calls “a parallel justice.”  Victims have been often left out of the criminal justice system and left with the assumption that victim needs are  satisfied with conviction and sentence of the offender. “Parallel Justice responses seek to restore victims’ safety, help them recover from the trauma of the crime, and regain a sense of control over their lives. These responses would not depend on whether the offender is ever identified or convicted.”  http://crcvc.ca/enewsletter/jan-14/story01.html 

Osgood Law School – York University
The National Symposium on Mental Disorder and Criminal Justice

The Professional Development Department is offering this timely day of conferencing on Feb 21 from 9AM – 4:30PM.  The conference aims to examine the impact of C-54, the NCR debates, and the evolving role of mental health courts. Chairs Joan Barrett, Deputy Director, Crown Law Office – Criminal Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario); Riun Shandler, Crown Counsel, Crown Law Office – Criminal Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario) Osgoode Contact: Sasha David/osgoode  SDavid@osgoode.yorku.ca   Symposium link:   http://www.osgoodepd.ca/cle/2013-2014Fiscal/2014_mental_disorder_criminal/index.html

 Australian Broadcast Company (ABC) –
Detention provider Serco facing industrial action after immigration detention centre, prison escapes 

 Serco – a private prison company in Australia – is facing increasing calls for investigation and public inquiry.  It additionally faces a growing discontent among the employees and their representative unions over pay levels and working conditions.  Government is dismissing concerns as union promptings.  http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-31/serco-faces-industrial-action-after-escapes-from-custody/5229310?pfm=sm&section=business

 The Sentencing Project (US)
The State of Sentencing 2013: Developments in Policy and Practice 

 This 20 page pdf draws a picture of efforts to reform criminal sentencing in some 31 states, covering the efforts for reform of both adult and youth offenses, especially alternatives to incarceration for drug and parole supervision offenses for adults and prevention and diversion for youth.  The report concludes with three recommendations on sustaining the momentum.   http://sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/sen_State%20of%20Sentencing%202013.pdf

 Pathos – Benjamin L. Corey
Justice Broken: How A Poor Theology of the Cross Created America’s Broken Justice System 

 We rarely offer material with religious overtones but this one may be worth the exception.  It is an analysis of the substitution and atonement theologies of the cross, concluding that these two views have twisted our Christian view of justice from reconciliation and restoration to punishment.  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/broken-justice/?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Progressive%201.30.14%20(1)&utm_content=&spMailingID=44979638&spUserID=NDEwMTQ5ODUwNzgS1&spJobID=231032524&spReportId=MjMxMDMyNTI0S0  

The Atlantic (US) – Andrew Cohen
When Victims Speak Up in Court—in Defense of the Criminals 

 In a Colorado murder case involving the death penalty, the parents of the murder victim want the opportunity to beg the jurors to spare the life of the defendant. Edward Montour killed Colorado corrections officer Eric Autobee in a prison kitchen.  The prosecutor thinks he has the right to prohibit the direct parental appeal to the jurors.  Victim’s rights advocates think otherwise.   The case is further complicated by two overturn rulings, one on the conviction and one on the death sentence.   http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/01/when-victims-speak-up-in-court-in-defense-of-the-criminals/283345  

 Law Professor’s Blog Network:  Cynthia Alkon 
Movies on Restorative Justice 

 Looking for movies on RJ?  Alkon has two – with reviews – to offer.   First, there is a 35 minute documentary called Burning Bridges, a 2005 film about six young men who burn down a historic bridge in Pennsylvania.  Second, she offers an Australian feature film called Face-to-Face, a 2011 David Williamson production – one and a half hours long.  The story line concerns a young construction worker who assaults his boss.  http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/01/when-victims-speak-up-in-court-in-defense-of-the-criminals/283345  

RT News (US)
US announces early release plan for nonviolent, low-level drug offenders

 Federal justice officials are looking for help from defence lawyers to identify those with clean prison records who have been sentenced to excessive time for minor, non-violent drug offences.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the Smarter Sentencing Act which seeks to legislate shorter sentences and more discretion for judges.  http://rt.com/usa/clemency-nonviolent-drug-crimes-434    Related article:  ACLU – Major Sentencing Reform Bill Moves to Senate Floor    https://www.aclu.org/criminal-law-reform/major-sentencing-reform-bill-moves-senate-floor