Ned Kelly,John Barry and the role of social activism in criminal justice reform: Excerpts from the 2010 John Barry Memorial Lecture

Abstract

This public lecture, presented on the 130th Anniversary of the execution of Ned Kelly, each year commemorates the contribution made to the field of criminology by the late Mr Justice Barry, of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Using the heuristic method of social research, it examines the place of social activism in the field of criminal justice reform. The paper was presented on the eve of a Victorian State election, where debate about law and order issues predominated, as has occurred in many States and Territories around Australia in recent years. The author calls for a substantial review of the operation and effectiveness of the Australian criminal justice system.