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Greg Barns SC is a barrister who practises in criminal law.

Lattouf and Gillham were punished for an opinion. It’s a threat that hangs over all Australians

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

Denyer parole change may be popular, but it undermines criminal process
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
Minns’ bid to block protest could be costly for free speech

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
Will the Cook government put an end to the brutalising of children and young people in the youth justice system?

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
Australia should follow Biden’s lead on cannabis
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
What we got wrong in 1999 and how to secure a republic this time

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
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We can’t escape the trial by media that preceded the Maxwell guilty verdict

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
Afghans fleeing the Taliban deserve our protection

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
Critique of baby shaking prosecutions raises troubling response
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
Hiding the truth ensures the powerful remain unaccountable

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
Here's something for Marise Payne and Scott Morrison to consider about Julian Assange

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