Greg Barns SC
Greg Barns SC is a barrister who practises in criminal law.
Opinion
Freedom of speech
Lattouf and Gillham were punished for an opinion. It’s a threat that hangs over all Australians
It’s one thing to stop workers from criticising their employer publicly. But recent cases in which they’ve been sanctioned for merely expressing views reveal a grave danger.
- by Greg Barns SC
Latest
Opinion
Crime
Denyer parole change may be popular, but it undermines criminal process
For a government to legislate to override the courts which sentenced offenders who committed heinous crimes is an exercise in dangerous overreach.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Minns’ bid to block protest could be costly for free speech
Future governments might ban or limit rallies simply because they find the subject matter too controversial.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Juvenile justice
Will the Cook government put an end to the brutalising of children and young people in the youth justice system?
This week’s decision in the Supreme Court should immediately trigger a rethink of how youth justice works in Western Australia and an end to the ‘law and order’ approach to the issue.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Drugs
Australia should follow Biden’s lead on cannabis
US President Joe Biden has made a decisive move towards removing cannabis use from the criminal justice system. Australia needs to take heed.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Republic debate
What we got wrong in 1999 and how to secure a republic this time
The campaign director of the Yes campaign in 1999 considers the mistakes and barriers - and how a fresh republic referendum might be won.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Ghislaine Maxwell
We can’t escape the trial by media that preceded the Maxwell guilty verdict
Regardless of whether Maxwell has been wrongly or rightly convicted, justice should not only be done - it should be seen to be done.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Fall of Kabul
Afghans fleeing the Taliban deserve our protection
Australia’s unfair laws and processes are designed to make it as difficult as possible for asylum seekers to succeed in seeking our protection.
- by Greg Barns SC
Opinion
Crime
Critique of baby shaking prosecutions raises troubling response
Forensic science practices and methodologies should not be allowed to continue without a rigorous independent review.
- by Greg Barns
Opinion
Secrets of War
Hiding the truth ensures the powerful remain unaccountable
There is no greater threat to the rule of law than actions which seek to prevent the truth from being discovered by an impartial judicial process.
- by Greg Barns
Opinion
Assange saga
Here's something for Marise Payne and Scott Morrison to consider about Julian Assange
The appeal process could take another three years.
- by Greg Barns
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/greg-barns-sc-p4yvu6