SOCIAL ISSUES SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES SOCIAL JUSTICE LIONS ACTION

PRESENTER IPDG PADDY MCKAY Special Justice Adelaide Magistrates Court – Criminal Division Bachelor of Accounting and Laws Graduate Diploma of Education Hons Degree Mathematics Bachelor of Science - Geology and Geophysics Worked in Education, Accounting (CPA) and Law Former Deputy Principal Secondary Schools Former University Lecturer Owner / Principal of Accounting Firm

Social Issues

Social Issues A problem that influences a considerable number of individuals within a society. It is often the consequence of factors extending beyond an individual’s sphere of control. Problem prevalent to all cultures

Examples of Social Issues Poverty Hunger Housing Unemployment Disease / Health Age Racial / Gender inequality Wealth divide Political / Religious Differences Drugs

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES

Examples of Social Consequences Theft Homelessness Violence Danger to public Feelings of Rage and Anger Feelings of Despair /Hopelessness

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Factors of Social Issues Public must recognise situation as a problem Situation is against the general values accepted by society A large segment of the population recognises the problem as a valid concern and seeks solutions Belief that problem can be rectified or alleviated through the joint action of citizens and / or community resources

Social Justice The fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the concept of Natural Law “That all persons irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, age etc are to be treated equally and without prejudice”

Laws All laws are rules but not all rules are laws eg cooking rules vs road rules Rules give instruction – Laws have a societal function Laws made by Courts or Parliament Laws are legislated Laws are enforceable

Sentencing Principles One Punishment – pain or loss to offender Rehabilitation – help change offenders behaviour Deterrence – Individual , General Denunciation – public expression that behaviour is unacceptable Community Protection Restorative – relationships between community, offender and victim

Sentencing Principles Two Effective and humane Reflect current community attitudes which change over time By Independent Judicial Officer – Separation of Powers Government Law makers Police Law executors Courts Law enforcers

Case Examples Considerations Victims Circumstances Any injury loss or damage Mitigating circumstances Offenders personal circumstances Offenders family / dependents

CANNOT SET SOMEONE UP TO FAIL Sentencing Options Imprisonment – loss of freedom Community sanctions Community work Home detentions Fines Wealthy vs Poor Specialist courts CANNOT SET SOMEONE UP TO FAIL

CASE One A 19 yr old Female pleads guilty to the offence of carrying an offensive weapon. What information do you need from Prosecution? What do you need to ask the defendant ? What would you decide to do ?

Case Two An indigenous adult male pleads guilty to “Begging Alms in a public place” What information do you need from Prosecution ? What do you need to ask the defendant ? What would you decide to do ?

Case Three A 29 year old female pleads guilty to theft What information do you need from Prosecution? What do you need to ask the defendant ? What would you decide to do ?

Case Four What information do you need from Prosecution? A 24 year old male pleads guilty to being illegally on licensed premises but claims it was his fault but it only happened because he was black. What information do you need from Prosecution? What do you need to ask the defendant ? What would you decide to do ?

LIONS ACTION

Lions Actions My mantra “ Educate for Change – Break the cycle” Putting this into reality – Purposes / Ethics Programs and actions Band aids vs Societal Change