Human Rights and the Criminal Justice System, taking place on 16 June 2023 at Allens Linklaters in Brisbane.
This year, the keynote address will be delivered by the Honourable Justice Catherine Muir followed by six presentations from speakers including Damien Atkinson OAM KC, Laura Reece, Anna Cappellano and Dr Danielle Harris. A full event program is attached.
This is a unique CPD event which will examine a diverse range of emerging human rights issues within the criminal justice system, including domestic and family violence, dangerous prisoner legislation and parole. We are particularly excited about the lived experience presentation which will provide an invaluable firsthand insight into the operations of the criminal justice system.
The stigma of incarceration often obscures the reality that people in prison are amongst the most disadvantaged members of our society.
The disadvantage faced by our clients is often the reason they remain in prison. For example, a person with no literacy (44% of our clients) cannot participate in the parole decision making process because it generally takes place through written correspondence. The consequence is they remain in prison.
Last year, PLS achieved successful outcomes for 87% of clients we represented for parole matters. This demonstrates both the prevalence of unnecessary incarceration and the impact of legal representation.
PLS representation shifts the balance in an unequal justice system. But we are forced to turn away more people than we help. For each PLS lawyer, there are over 3000 people in prison in Queensland. By attending this event, you are supporting PLS as all funds raised go directly to our work for people incarcerated across the 14 prisons in Queensland.
Both in person and online tickets are available for this event. For more information and to register, please visit our registration page.