Systemic Injustice in the Criminal Justice System

This submission responds to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Issues Paper 1: Systemic Injustice in the Criminal Justice System.

The following submission focusses on:

(a) The need to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility;

(b) Victoria’s harsh bail laws;

(c) The pitfalls of presumptive and mandatory sentencing; and

(d) The operation and effect of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).