Are you welcome in Sydney’s upmarket shops?

Apparently not, if you’re a man with an intellectual disability and a man who (I’m guessing, given his country of origin) happens to have black skin. For once, the first part of the story is a pretty good summary: AARON ODDIE was on an outing with his carer when they visited an upmarket city boutique. [...]

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Wins and losses – the prosecution of sexual violence

A tale of two legal systems. In each legal system, there is a woman has been sexually assaulted. Each woman is subjected to some sort of abuse by the person who is supposed to be prosecuting the sexual assault. The similarities end there.

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Quickhit: woman sues bus company for refusal to take wheelchair

A woman is suing a bus company which refused to take her wheelchair (and so would not transport her). Gemma Namey, a solicitor with [Public Interest Advocacy Centre, which is representing the woman], said the case could have major implications. ”This is a first, we believe, as there has been no previous test to enforce [...]

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A small win

A Bill has been introduced into NSW Parliament which will alter the categories of people who are ineligible for jury duty. Relevant links are below. In summary (ie why I am writing about this), having a disability will no longer be a blanket reason for ineligibility. To explain the current position (from the government’s Agreement [...]

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A month of detention without review

[TRIGGER WARNING for forced detention following diagnosis of mental illness.] Imagine a world in which you could be held by a government agency, against your will, for up to a month. If you have a mental illness, that is now a real possibility. Deborah Snow has reported on changes for the SMH – that’s actually [...]

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A tribute to a mother

Rosalind Croucher is undoubtedly an influential, intelligent and highly-placed woman. She is currently the President of the Australian Law Reform Commission and before that, was Dean of Law at Macquarie University. Justinian has profiled her this week. Of note, the following quotes: Who has been the most influential person in your life? My mum – [...]

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An example of systemic racism

This makes me so angry! I agree with a lot of what tigtog says in the linked post, and also Michael Brull’s post at Overland. I did read through all of the reasons for sentence [NB: link is a pdf], and I have some further comments arising out of that.

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Dog whistle politics

Yet another reason I can’t see myself bringing myself to vote for the Libs at the next NSW election (not that I think I’ll be able to bring myself to vote ALP, either): Barry O’Farrell’s interesting take on the criminal justice system: If he (Williams) had a criminal record, what’s he doing on the street [...]

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