The impact of the Victorian infringements system on disadvantaged groups
Findings from a qualitative study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11228256 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bernadette J Saunders (0000-0003-3830-9874, corresponding author), Bernadette Saunders, Gaye Lansdell (0000-0002-7141-1590), Anna Eriksson (0009-0000-0999-9779, Institute of Criminology), Meredith Brown (0000-0001-8152-6626, Clinical Research Services) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 45-66 |
| Publication date | 2014-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Australian Journal of Social Issues (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0157-6321 • E-ISSN: 1839-4655 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/j.1839-4655.2014.tb00299.x |
| OpenAlex | W1482171881 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 13 |
This article focuses on the infringements system currently operating in the state of Victoria, Australia and, in particular, its impact on disadvantaged groups, such as people suffering homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency, mental illness, acquired brain injury, poverty, and domestic violence. The concerns of lawyers working in community legal centres striving to address the needs of people in these disadvantaged groups prompted this qualitative study, which involved in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders in the infringements system. Participants included those who issue and enforce fines, those who represent vulnerable fine recipients, and the fine recipients themselves. The research sought participants' understanding of the system, its aims, and its outcomes. This article presents an overview of the research findings in relation to the complex Victorian infringements system process, net‐widening, proportionality, and the 'special circumstances' process. Our findings suggest that the Victorian infringements system is expedient and efficient when people can promptly pay their fines. However, multiple issues need to be addressed if the system is to be just and fair to people suffering various types of disadvantage. A number of systemic changes and educational initiatives are recommended, along with law reform that addresses the unreasonable and unacceptable impacts on disadvantaged groups in Victoria
Criminology · Disadvantage · Disadvantaged · Political science · Poverty · Project commissioning · Public relations · Publishing · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Elder Abuse and Neglect · Law
The significance of ‘intoxication’ in Australian criminal law
A trial of Criminal Infringement Notices as an alternative to criminal penalties for illicit drug offences in New South Wales, Australia
Commodifying Justice
The maelstrom of punishment, mental illness, intellectual disability and cognitive impairment
It's all about the Benjamins’
Policing biosecurity
Friend or foe
Money as Punishment
The Currency of Justice
‘I'm sorry but you're just not that special…’ Reflecting on the ‘Special Circumstances’ Provisions of the Infringements Act 2006 ( Vic )
Fines, Risks and Damages
Theorizing fines
Infringement Systems in Australia
Exposing the Injustice of Imprisonment for Fine Default
Marginality amidst plenty
The Debate About Homelessness
What Do the Published Figures Tell Us about Homelessness in Australia
Homelessness and Community
Research methodology
| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,89 |
| Citation span | 2017 - 2021 (5) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |