ISYS100 VLOG- "Compulsory Pro Bono Legal Work?"

“Should Pro Bono (free legal services) be compulsory for all Lawyers in Australia?” Discuss.

As my VLOG topic, I decided to talk about an important issue within the legal system; and more specifically the legal profession. The topic of “Pro Bono” legal work raises a number of important arguments for and against it being compulsory for all lawyers to undertake in Australia. Essentially, “Pro Bono” refers to free legal services and in my blog I discuss the overriding question of whether it should be mandatory for all lawyers to undertake as part of their service to the community and their duty in the administration of justice. This links to my topic of "Law and Current Events" as this issue is a reoccurring topic that sparks legal debate. It is also one of the most important aspects of the legal profession. Therefore, the video effectively discusses the reasons for and against whether "Pro Bono" should be compulsory for all Lawyers in Australia. I look at both sides of the argument and showcase important aspects of the concept of "Pro Bono." The video goes for 2 minutes and 58 seconds, thus, it falls within the time constraints. There is a title frame at the very beginning outlining that the video is part of an ISYS assessment, as well as a title of “Pro Bono” to provide some context on what the video will be about. Furthermore, it involves background music over the title and captions throughout the video to sum up some important points. Additionally, I have included transitions throughout the VLOG; images, as well as voice over on top of those images and some important video clips to help contextualise the video and provide some external opinions on the topic at the hand.

As the only member of the group, I contributed fully to the video. Some of my duties included:

Researching (this involved researching online on relevant websites to determine what current issue within the legal system was being discussed within the media. It was also important to find various sources to back up my points and discuss both sides of the argument).
Writing (recording the arguments for and against)

Directing and Filming (recording the video on my mobile, filming several takes to get the right footage)

Acting (Speaking and appearing in the VLOG)

Editing (Utilised iMovie as my editing software to create the VLOG piece and add in all the titles, videos, images, transitions, voice over, background music and captions)

Creating the VLOG (Also involved me transferring the the recorded footage onto my computer for editing and compiling the relevant videos and images to be used within the VLOG)

Uploading to Youtube and Blogger.

In general terms, as the only member of the group, I researched and developed 21 opinionated daily Blog Posts (Whilst linking them on twitter) on topics that I found interesting and controversial as a current event in the legal system and the law.

Had a blast doing this assessment!

Thanks,

Cameron Munro- ISYS 100, Tutorial 9, Group 8 ("Law and Current Events").

Gay Marriage

As my very last blog post for this Assessment task, I thought it was important to go out with a bang! and talk about one of the most controversial and current issues within the law and the legal system (as a current event in Australian Society) with many, many debates showcasing opinions and views for and against; the concept of Gay Marriage!

Personally, I believe that this debate has gone on too long. As we all know, In Australia "Gay Marriage" is illegal- and is not treated as a "Marriage" (traditionally between a man and a woman) but as a "Union." I think that this is absurd and ridiculous- this is discrimination at its finest- something I thought, we as an diverse and accommodating nation- do not stand for.... Although I do not have a very strong opinion on the matter, I think that this has gone way too far. I genuinely do not see the issue with this, and why we have had to drag this through the media for years and years. It is time to take a stance and make a change. We, as the public should have the right to vote on this, like I have been saying in previous blog posts, WE are the ones that are grounded by the law, we live by it every single day and is the very foundation upon which society survives upon. Without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. But, in saying that, the law is in place to match and fit with the communal standards and expectations, because, without the constant change within the law, we just wouldn't be the nation we are today. It is as simple as that...

I do not understand the general fuss around this?!?! What is the big deal? All they want is equality (showcased by the above video). That is an extremely basic right that they deserve! They don't want to be better than us, placed on a throne or anything like that. It is merely a debate about equal marriage rights. Enough of living in the dark ages, we as a nation, have to be accommodating for all walks of life; all sexualities. Love is love. It doesn't matter the age or gender, or anything like that. These people don't get to pick and choose. Love seeps through all boundaries. This is so unaustralian. So I believe that they should, under the relevant legislation; be entitled to the same rules and procedures as anyone else. They just want what everyone else has.

At the end of the day, this should not be a political or religious debate... It has nothing to do with that! We, as a nation, should be allowed to vote on such huge and widespread issues like this. We should be able to make these decisions. Religion has to be secular from the law (we are defined by civil law- not biblical matters). This is love! It doesn't make sense to integrate the two- this is the cause of wars and hatred. The law must be separate. Therefore, equality for all is essential. We will be ruined; the law will be ruined and not taken as serious, if we do not provide these fundamental rights for everyone. What would be the point? It is time to make a change... The above video is a very very important video to watch (providing context and information and statistics on the matter! please watch!).

Reference for Text:
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-frankly-un-australian/story-fnizhakg-1227503895797

Reference for Image:
http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/piechart.png

Reference for Youtube Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yip46iX0r3I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfaHnlMV9Qw

Once again, these are just my views and opinions. I am always open for discussion on the matter, and hearing both sides of the argument. This is my last blog post for the ISYS100 Assessment Task 2 (adding up to 21 blog posts), and I have had a ball! Thanks for tuning into my Blog!

Mandatory Vaccinations

The results are out. 86% of Australians want childhood vaccination to be compulsory. I do not find these statistics a shock. Its common sense. Why put ALL children at risk? Only 10% are opposed with the other 4% undecided. Therefore, it is overwhelming clear of Australia’s stance on this issue. The below statistic is from the USA, signifying that this is a global issue that needs to be addressed. 

Once again, I believe that the law should exist to suit and change towards the expectations of society. There is no use having laws that were valid hundreds of years ago, as we have all changed as a nation, and therefore, should be governed under contemporary and relevant laws that are appropriate and match our societies’ inherent expectations and moral views/standpoints. Such that, those who refuse to vaccinate their children; should be prosecuted (introduction of laws to make vaccinations in children compulsory). The video below discusses the overall topic discussed within this blog post on whether vaccinations should be mandatory, highlighting some key points.

Therefore, I strongly believe that we should enact news laws to make it compulsory for ALL children to have vaccinations. There is no other way. No argument which could justify otherwise. I just don’t understand who that 10% are and what there reasoning is behind their ludicrous views. This follows successful policy changes and campaigns that have been implemented (e.g. “No Jab, No Play" campaign) which ensured that all kids attending childcare are fully vaccinated. I think that this was and is a fantastic initiative, and is an important step towards full implementation and introduction of these reform measures. I believe that the next step is undoubtably, law reform.

At the end of the day, all this is about is protecting the next generation; our next leaders of our great nation. It is preventing harmful diseases and illnesses from ever occurring. I do not understand why this is an issue. Why we would need to be discussing this. It is a no brainer and clear common sense. This is not a political debate. It is pure common sense. I just don't get it. Something needs to change. I am glad that we are working as a nation to eradicate these immoral views and take a stand towards protecting all children. Another big issue is that some babies are too young to get vaccinated, and thus, those children who are older (old enough to be vaccinated) and their parents decided against it, is directly putting others at risk. It is selfish. All children deserve the right to be vaccinated and shouldn't be dictated by uninformed or ill parents. The below video showcases a key debate on this issue and provides many arguments for and against this issue.

What do you think?

Reference for Text:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/galaxy-poll-86-per-cent-of-australians-want-childhood-vaccination-to-be-compulsory/story-fni0cx12-1227290503812?sv=dbb0697ac274f0ee35b497dbd921be7a 

http://www.chainofprotection.org/vaccinations/ 

Reference for Image:

http://www.ebola.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Measles_Vaccines_Required-679x382.jpg

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/34f3c12e46e775b6bc7e523d797ba40d553715a7/r=540&c=540x304/http/videos.usatoday.net/Brightcove2/29906170001/2015/02/29906170001_4029717216001_video-still-for-video-4029675097001.jpg

Reference for Youtube Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIHl2H5PtUw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAQzqyXxk3w

Online Guardianship Reform

With the ever-present risk of online sexual grooming and online sexual predators; it is important to protect those who are the most at risk; and the most vulnerable in these alarming situations. Minors. Children. Kids. What I want to talk about within this blog post, is this central issue of parental access to the online accounts (including social media) of children. I believe that this is an important issue within the law and is a current event within our legal system that needs to be reformed to further protect and provide protection for our younger generation.

I am proposing a central law reform proposal that would seek to enact certain provisions in the Criminal Code Act 1995  and the Family Act 1975 to allow for mandatory parental access to a child’s social media and online accounts. This would be in place to effectively enhance the protection of minors from online sexual predators and online grooming. I believe that increased awareness of a child’s online presence, their safety would automatically increase. Such that, sexual predators would more likely be recognised quicker by law enforcement agencies under this reform.

It is clear that more attention needs to be focused on the principles of protection and early detection, which can be achieved if parents have the mandatory access to their children’s online accounts. Essentially, this will provide early targeting of online grooming and ultimately; protect the wellbeing and healthy upbringing of children. Although there may be some practicality issues on this would function; I think that it would just be treated as another duty for a parent towards their child. Again, this does pose some questions about breaches of privacy for the children, but the pros definitely out weigh the cons in this situation and necessary movements need to be in place to better protect children against online predators and the dangers of online sexual grooming (which can create long lasting effects on the child’s mental health for example- the above video outlines what online sexual grooming is and the effects it can create on young people).

Reference for Text:

http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/tandi_pdf/tandi379.pdf

Reference for Image:

http://www.youandco.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/case_study_image/public/groomed_shutterstock_144287341.jpg?itok=_BGkEoQV

Reference for Youtube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZLaiS3fZ8A

Compulsory Drug Treatment Program

Today, I want to discuss my personal views and issues I have with the current Drug Offenders Program in NSW (Compulsory Drug Treatment Program- CDTP).  Just to provide some context first, this is a "punishment" (sentence) given out to drug offenders in NSW instead of going to jail. It is compulsory for those ordered to go, and acts as a rehabilitation centre/program to treat those with drug dependency and works to ultimately deter/abolish drug crime in NSW. Although this sounds promising, and a great initiative for not only the offenders, but also the community, it is grossly restricted in terms of its availability.

In NSW, the only operating facility (shown above) can detain a mere 70 MALE offenders. That is so heavily low and unequal. What about female offenders? I think that, if anything, it should be 35 males/35 females. Furthermore, it is vital that increased funds are pumped into this program as it clearly is an effective policy in place to rehabilitate those who need it most. Therefore, expanding the capacity of the program, to enable the participation of female offenders will enable greater rehabilitation of offenders; especially those most at risk. This is a necessity! and needs to be enacted; in the name of equality and justice for all. Obviously there is an inherent need for equality in the criminal justice system, in terms of equal access to the law and rehabilitation programs.  Thus, greater volumes of participants (of both genders) will reduce the number of people in conventional custody who would better benefit in a drug-specific program and environment which harnesses rehabilitation.

Therefore, I believe that it is essential to reform this policy; and expand this program to benefit more and more drug offenders. Obviously I believe this a no brainer, with the obvious issue being where the funding will come from to maintain, support and staff the rehabilitation of more participants. However, I still think that this is a vital and important initiative that needs to be available for all (depending on the discretion of Judges during the sentencing procedure).


Reference for Text:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/la/latabdoc.nsf/09874fcb6bf62d7bca25739c0023e509/0d137e6aa349c993ca257c130024f6b1/$FILE/Review%20pursuant%20to%20Crimes%20(Administration%20of%20Sentences)%20Act.pdf

Reference for Images:
http://www.foreignprisoners.com/img-loc/parklea_correctional_centre.jpg
http://www.mentalhealthy.co.uk/sites/default/files/Drug%20Rehab.jpg

Mobile Phone Usage whilst Driving

This is always a current topic within the law; and something that I have been asked about many times; about what the relevant laws and regulations are, in terms of using a mobile phone whilst driving; and exactly what the relevant rules and legislation are; and my opinion on the matter. 

Under regulation 300 of the Road Rules Act (NSW) of 2014, the use of a mobile phone whilst driving is actually permitted, if the phone is secured in a mounting device affixed to the vehicle (shown in the image below). If this is done, then the person is legally allowed to make or receive phone calls (via bluetooth), perform audio functions or even as a GPS. Such that the person must not touch the phone at all; or have it resting on a part of their body during the time they are driving. 

I think that this is a reasonable rule; as if you have the phone in your hand; and not in the mounting device, it can cause immediate distractions, placing not only you at risk, but everyone else in the road. Therefore, I believe that it is vital and very important to follow this rule as it is directly in place to protect the lives of everyone on the road. Obviously, the incorrect usage of mobile phone whilst driving, represents negligence and carelessness, as the driver would be heavily distracted; not exercising the right amount of care or attention which would be reasonably expected whilst driving.

However, the part of the law that I do not agree with, is that if you are on your provisional license (P1 or learners) you are NOT to have your phone on at all whatsoever, whilst driving. I believe that P plate drivers should be treated in the same regard as other drivers on the road; seeing as they share the road with everyone else and should be entitled to the same rulings. This is because, if used correctly, the phone is not touched nor does it play a role in distracting the driver completely off the road, if it is in a mounting device. Until this changes, it is important that everyone on the road follows the rules to prevent the likelihood of mobile phones playing a part in accidents whilst driving.

Reference for Text:

http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/rr2014104/s300.html

Reference for Images:

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Why-You-Shouldn-039-t-Use-A-Mobile-Phone-While-Driving-2220

http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/l48AAOSwEK9Tw0Lr/s-l225.jpg
http://net4surf.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Avoid-Mobile.jpg

Clogging of Local Courts

It has come to attention that the most trivial matters (petty crimes) are severely clogging up the local court system- and creating a backlog for months and months. There have been numerous articles recently that have attributed this backlog to be contributed by petty crimes clogging up the justice system.

One in particular; a Lismore lawyer has explained that the increase in random breath testing- has actually resulted in more than 50 people facing drug-driving charges in the Lismore Local court on a Monday. I believe that is an insanely high amount of court appearances for one offence and that this would severely disrupt the administration of criminal justice and clog up the local court system significantly. There needs to be more appropriate methods and reforms to quickly and efficiently deal with these matters in a more faster way or process. Obviously the correct administration of justice needs to be met; in the sense that these offenders need to be charged for their crimes; but there needs to be a more efficient out of court process to combat this issue.

The fact that the Lismore Local Courts (pictured above) are being bombarded and tied up by these minor crimes (in comparison) it is obvious that new measures need to be in place to combat this clogging and burden on the local court system. The Lismore lawyer also explained that most of the charges are for drugs that were taken a few days beforehand- and that most of the drivers weren't impaired at all in relation to their driving ability. Something needs to change to unclog this system.

This video, although relating to Chicago court system, presents that the overburdening of the local court systems around the world is a very inherent problem that needs to be fixed.

Reference for Text:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-06/drug--driving/6829982?section=nsw

Reference for Image:
http://www.allcourts.com.au/Media/Default/Page/Images/Lismore-Court-House.jpg

Reference for Youtube Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55wR-o4Jt5s