Course organiser:Bevan Clarke
7 Mar:
Jeremy Finn on “The nature and history of Criminal LawThe presentation will look at the origins and development of the criminal law, both at common law and by statute, reception of English criminal law into New Zealand, reform and codification of the substantive criminal law in the 19th century and the development of distinctive features of NZ criminal law in the 20th century. It will also look at key differences between civil and criminal law. Jeremy is a Professor of Law at the University of Canterbury. He has taught Criminal Law since 1979, and has written a number of articles on aspects of criminal law. He is also a contributing author to the leading practitioner text, Adams on Criminal Law. He has a particular interest in criminal procedure and jury issues. He, Associate Professor Elisabeth McDonald and Dr Yvette Tinsley (both of Victoria University of Wellington) undertook in 2010-2012 a major research project, funded by the NZ Law Foundation, into possible alternatives to the current procedure for the trial of sexual offences, including the possible adoption of aspects of inquisitorial procedures. He also researches and teaches in the fields of criminal justice, legal history, contract law, intellectual property law and the NZ Bill of Rights Act.
14 Mar:
Margaret Sewell on Margaret Sewell, a prominent Christchurch barrister will address a set of questions which may puzzle any non-lawyer musing about the details and the dilemmas faced every day in the court-room by the counsel for the defence of for the prosecution. Margaret, has five daughters, three of whom have law degrees, and is married to Rupert Glover, also a well-known Christchurch barrister.
21 Mar:
Ashley Tabb, 'Prosecution from the police viewpoint—Diversion & the Prevention-first Strategy.' Senior Sergeant Ashley (Ash) Tabb is District Prosecution Manager for the Canterbury Police Prosecutions Service.
The Diversion scheme aligns with the Prevention First strategy with its aim of preventing crime through a holistic approach to diversion to reduce further offending. Programmes involve courses focused on Violence, Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling, which are often the drivers of Crime.
viewpoint—Diversion & the Prevention-first Strategy
28 Mar:
Greg Newbold, 'Why criminals re-offend'. Why have efforts to rehabilitate criminals in New Zealand failed? Greg Newbold is a professor in criminology at the University of Canterbury. He has published seven books and more than 80 book chapters and articles and is currently regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading criminologists. He is a regular media commentator on crime and criminal justice and is frequently consulted by government on matters pertaining to law enforcement and correctional policy.
4 Apr:
David Saunders, 'Crime and Punishment 2013'. Judge David Saunders was appointed to the bench in 1993 and for first ten years was a resident judge in Dunedin before transferring to Christchurch in 2004. For seven years he was the Chairman of the Invercargill Prison Board where early release, home detention and parole were considered. He has been a trustee on the Otago Youth Wellness trust and Chair of the Otago Life Education Trust.