People with disabilities are over-represented in the criminal justice system as accused persons, and also face significant challenges as witnesses and victims of crime. This less favourable treatment combined with the inherent vulnerability of people with disability increases the likelihood of a conviction compared to people without a disability. People with disabilities experience challenges in accessing appropriate legal help and exercising their rights, and can also experience higher rates of incarceration than other people.
In spite of law reform efforts to strengthen the rights of victims of crime who have a cognitive impairment, there are still significant barriers in prosecuting these cases. People with disabilities should have the same rights, opportunities and choices as people without a disability but this does not appear to be the case.
This session will explore themes such as:
- What happens to people with disabilities within the criminal justice system?
- How does the legal system inhibit or facilitate cases involving people with disabilities?
- What reforms are required?
