: : NSW Alcohol Summit - Alcohol Summit Forum : :

HOME

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

WORKING GROUPS

BACKGROUND PAPERS

SUBMISSIONS

COMMUNIQUE

ALCOHOL INFO

View a Printer Friendly Version ?

Subject Links

NSW Legislation

Audit Report

Interim Report

NSW Government Links

Australian Links

International Links

Browse the discussion on this topic below.

Alcohol and the Justice System

To view other topics click here

Topic: Alcohol and the Justice System Author: Forum Administrator	Posted: 31 Jul 2003
What contribution can the justice system make to reducing the incidence and consequences of alcohol abuse?
Topic: Re: Alcohol and the Justice System Author: sylvia	Posted: 25 Aug 2003
i have lived with an alcoholic for many years, he knew it was a problem, as that was bought up many times, it did not stop him or stop him driving while at the same time drinking at times, so i feel that people that drink make the decision to drink when sober and before the first drink, and know what they are like when drinking, so when they cause an accident on the road the penalties should be harsher, to say they were not responsible at the time is soft, if they were made responsible, they are not unintelligent people, maybe they would think more about not taking that first drink, and when there is an abuse problem at the family home, the decision should be made to have him/her removed from the home for a time anyway, for the sake of the family, the abused person(s) often can't make that decision themselves for fear, and made to go to counseling.
Topic: Re: Alcohol and the Justice System Author: Ted Cullen	Posted: 26 Aug 2003
I have heard of a 'court program' operating in the Central Coast and Hunter area of NSW, where if a repeat offender's case alcohol related, the perp is directed to a member of Alcoholics Anonymous present in the court.This AA person will supply enough information about Alcoholics Anonymous to help him/her get to meetings. Some magistrates suggest that the perp attend so many meetings per month before they come up for sentencing. Perhaps the forum should be looking along these lines for repeat alcohol offenders.
Topic: Re: Alcohol and the Justice System Author: Robert Fearnside	Posted: 26 Aug 2003
As an ex drug abuser and binge drinker, I understand too fully what the effects of drugs and alcohol can do to one's mind and actions. However I am appaled that our justice system allows people who have perpetrated heinous crimes, to use the excuse that 'they were not in full control of their faculties'. Alcohol or any drug should not be used as a shield for committing an offence. Sadly for the victims and their families of these crimes, our justice sytem seems to consistently allow and even encourage felons to use this excuse by reducing or eliminating sentences altogether by 'diminshed responsibility' of the offender. What does this message convey to violent drinkers? If I am going to commit an offence then I may as well be really drunk because I might just get away with it. What a sad indictment on our society that we have allowed this to happen.

Please note: Messages in this forum are moderated for content.