Courts - short article

[costargh]

Here is an article that is critical of the time it takes for court proceedings to take place.
Should be relevant to the AOS you are currently doing or are going to be doing soon.

Courts too slow on child abuse cases: Johnston
9:19a.m. 8 July 2008

Child safety advocate Hetty Johnston has called on the courts to deal with child abuse cases more quickly to avoid a repeat of the latest controversy on the Sunshine Coast.

The Bravehearts founder yesterday admitted she had mixed feelings over a magistrate’s decision to suppress the name of a man allegedly involved in a child porn website.

The 28-year-old was granted bail, prompting fears he was back in the community but no-one knew his identity.

Ms Johnston said the problem would not arise if the courts dealt with cases more quickly.

“Until someone is convicted, it is probably unfair to name them,’’ she said.

“The courts might show leniency if they are seen to have already suffered some community punishment and we would rather they get the full force of the law at sentencing.”

Ms Johnston said the man should not have been allowed bail in the first place.

“If they are going to make a decision to keep their names quiet then they shouldn’t inflict those people on the community. They should be detained until their court hearing and that has to happen a lot quicker.”
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/jul/08/courts-too-slow-child-abuse-cases-johnston/