AI Overview
The book "Public Prosecutions in Australia: Law, Policy and Practice" by Christopher Corns provides a comprehensive examination of the legal and policy frameworks governing public prosecutions in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Historical Background: The book begins with an historical context to understand the evolution of public prosecutions in Australia, setting the stage for contemporary practices.
Prosecutorial Roles: It delves into the various roles and responsibilities of public prosecutors, including their independence and accountability.
Prosecution Independence: A significant theme is the independence of public prosecutors, which is crucial for ensuring fair and impartial justice.
Decision to Prosecute: The book explores the decision-making process involved in determining whether to prosecute a case, including the factors that influence this decision.
Police and Prosecutions: It examines the relationship between the police and the prosecution, highlighting the coordination and communication required between these two entities.
Victims, Witnesses, and the Prosecution: The book discusses the role of victims and witnesses in the prosecution process, emphasizing their rights and support mechanisms.
Trial and Sentencing Hearings: It covers the conduct of trials and sentencing hearings, including the strategies and considerations involved in these proceedings.
Regulatory Prosecutions: The book delves into regulatory prosecutions, both at the federal and state levels, discussing the powers and duties of public prosecutors in these contexts.
Accountability and Performance Measurement: It addresses the accountability of public prosecutors and the public prosecution system, including organizational accountability and performance measurement.
The Attorney-General, Prosecutions, and the DPP: The book discusses the role of the Attorney-General in relation to public prosecutions and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), highlighting their responsibilities and interactions.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the legal and policy frameworks governing public prosecutions in Australia. It begins with an introduction to the subject matter, followed by a historical background that sets the stage for contemporary practices. The subsequent chapters delve into various aspects of public prosecutions, including prosecutorial roles, independence, decision-making processes, and interactions with police, victims, and witnesses. The book also covers regulatory prosecutions, trial and sentencing hearings, and accountability mechanisms. Finally, it concludes by discussing the role of the Attorney-General and the DPP in the prosecution process.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's comprehensive nature and detailed critique of the law and policy regulating public prosecutions suggest it has been well-received by legal scholars and practitioners. The inclusion of reviews from reputable sources like the Law Institute Journal and the Criminal Law Journal further supports its credibility and utility in the field of public prosecutions.
Availability
The book is available in both print and eText formats from various retailers, including Booktopia and Boffins Books. It is also listed on the Thomson Reuters website, indicating its academic and professional relevance.