What is justice? How does our legal system work? How can we trust a system that is so changeable and widely criticised? And are our laws really effective? These are some of the fundamental questions that former Supreme Court judge Ken Crispin sets out to answer in this enlightening and thought-provoking book. The law is one of the cornerstones of western democracy, and the judiciary one of its most cherished institutions. From a heritage of feudalism and repression, our highly complex criminal-justice system has evolved to encompass a respect for social values and the rights of individuals. Recently, however, it has become obvious that rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom from detention without trial are becoming increasingly endangered. The ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric of police and politicians, the ‘war on drugs’, the ‘reforms’ designed to increase conviction rates, and the loss of rights due to fear of terrorism all point to an erosion of justice in western societies. Are we any safer as a consequence? Or could our flight from long-defended principles actually be making things worse? Ken Crispin’s wealth of experience on both sides of the bar — from appearing for high-profile defendants such as Lindy and Michael Chamberlain to prosecuting murderers and rapists, and later sitting on the ACT Supreme Court bench — makes him the ideal guide for finding a way through these thorny legal thickets. Having witnessed the anguish of those crying out for justice throughout his career, Crispin lays bare the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system with great clarity and compassion. Compelling and easily comprehensible, but never simplistic, this is the definitive guide to justice as we know it.

The only clue that could lead to the arrest of a homicidal killer is a golf ball button, torn from the jacket the killer was wearing, and found next to the horrifyingly mutilated body of a young hooker. There are four owners of jackets with golf ball buttons living in the city. When Detective Tom Lepski of the Paradise City Police checks out these jackets, suspicion falls on Ken Brandon, an insurance agent. But just when Lepski is sure he has his man, two more horrifying killings occur, and he is faced with the trickiest case he's ever had to solve.

Vols. for 1871-76, 1913-14 include an extra number, The Christmas bookseller, separately paged and not included in the consecutive numbering of the regular series.

This comprehensive collection offers a complete introduction to one of the most popular literary forms of the Victorian period, its key authors and works, its major themes, and its lasting legacy. Places key authors and novels in their cultural and historical context Includes studies of major topics such as race, gender, melodrama, theatre, poetry, realism in fiction, and connections to other art forms Contributions from top international scholars approach an important literary genre from a range of perspectives Offers both a pre and post-history of the genre to situate it in the larger tradition of Victorian publishing and literature Incorporates coverage of traditional research and cutting-edge contemporary scholarship