Banning "good character" references + sleighing for Australia
Should courts hear about the "good character" of people who get convicted of crimes? One state has decided no, and is changing rules around sentencing. So with other states looking into it too: what's really in a reference? And while some young victim-survivors who've been campaigning for an end to good character references are celebrating, not all legal experts are convinced it's the right move. Plus, everyone knows Aussies are good at sport: think cricket, tennis, footy... but what about bobsleigh? We speak to an Aussie athlete who's in Italy and about to compete in the Winter Olympics. Listen now: 01:04 - Why NSW is banning "good character" references 05:03 - How it feels to hear your abuser is a "good bloke" 19:26 - Monobob at the Winter Olympics Guests: Harrison James, victim-survivor advocate Felicity Graham, barrister Bree Walker, Australian bobsleigh competitor Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm
Hack · Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Show Notes
Should courts hear about the "good character" of people who get convicted of crimes? One state has decided no, and is changing rules around sentencing. So with other states looking into it too: what's really in a reference?
And while some young victim-survivors who've been campaigning for an end to good character references are celebrating, not all legal experts are convinced it's the right move.
Plus, everyone knows Aussies are good at sport: think cricket, tennis, footy... but what about bobsleigh? We speak to an Aussie athlete who's in Italy and about to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Listen now:
01:04 - Why NSW is banning "good character" references
05:03 - How it feels to hear your abuser is a "good bloke"
19:26 - Monobob at the Winter Olympics
Guests:
- Harrison James, victim-survivor advocate
- Felicity Graham, barrister
- Bree Walker, Australian bobsleigh competitor
Get the whole story from hack:
- Follow us on Instagram and TikTok
- Subscribe to the hack podcast
- Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm