The profane
and the insane: an inquiry into the psychopathology of serial murder
by Samantha Helsham
This article discusses the psychopathology that underpins the behaviour of the serial killer. Serial killers are, among other things, psychopaths. The author argues that new evidence suggests that psychopaths suffer from an emotional-perceptual processing disorder that deprives them of the ability to develop moral knowledge. Serial killers do not then have the capacity to understand that the crimes they commit are morally wrong. Also, because of the severity of the perceptual deficit, the fact that their actions are illegal is not sufficient to inform them of the immorality of the actions.
The
serial killer in cinema
by Kimberley Tyrrell
This article examines the representation of serial killers in contemporary North American cinema in terms of recent feminist and critical race theory. In particular I focus on the specificity of the status of the serial killer as white and male. I examine the racial component of his identity, and seek to demonstrate that the popular notion and representation of the 'banal' or 'abnormally normal' serial killer is premised upon an effacement of his race and gender that follows broader representational trends towards portraying whiteness and masculinity as neutral components of identity, or as 'templates' for humanity.
Murder, prostitution
and patriarchy: why serial killing is a feminist issue
by Brian Simpson
This article discusses the problem of serial killing in the context of patriarchal assumptions about 'good' and 'bad' women. It is possible that a substantianl proportion of the victims of serial killers are female prostitutes. We need to explore why that is so, and what social attitudes underlie this phenomenon.
Photography
as an evidentiary tool: the creation of accurate evidence
by Gale E. Spring
The author argues that standards need to be developed for forensic photography at a State, national and international level.
Colliding
kaleidoscopes of reality: looking at women and the Australian legal system
by Patricia Easteal
This article highlights how women's interactions with the law must be understood within the context and the pervasiveness of the dominant perspective throughout our institutions. It encourages practitioners and the community to think 'outside of the boxes' of so-called 'legal truths'. In the area of violence against women, some micro-level are outlined. However, the article stresses that 'big picture' societal metamorphosis is necessary to address gendered personalities, sexualities, roles, stratification and the domestic/public divide - all major contributors to women's less than equal interactions with the legal system.
Science,
corporations and the law
by Scott Mann
This article examines the effective takeover of scientific research by big private corporations. It considers the destructive effects of scientific research subordinated to pursuit of corporate profit, with large populations exposed to toxic and dangerous substances, processes and procedures. It argues the case that effective legal representation of the victims of such exposures depends upon increasing understanding of scientific research methods on the part of concerned lawyers.
Whatever
happened to legal expense insurance?
by Francis Regan
This article takes stock of legal expense insurance (LEI) developments in a number of societies over the last two decades and considers its prospects for the future. First, it describes the development of LEI in a group of common and civil law societies. It demonstrates that LEI has fared best in societies with civil law traditions but that the picture is more ambiguous in common law societies. It concludes by highlighting some lessons to be learnt from these developments.
Workers'
entitlements: probation period over
by Chris Symes
The federal government's solution to safeguarding workers' entitlements in the event of employer insolvency is examined.
Sydney housing:
one year after the Olympic Games
by Beth Jewell
The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games were promoted as a golden opportunity for the people of Sydney and the government promised to minimise any adverse impacts on the marginalised and disadvantaged. However, especially in housing this was not the reality. Now Sydney has an Olympic legacy of a city scarred by ugly, expensive high-rise apartments with views of an unprofitable stadium complex and an increased homeless population. A government happy to introduce legislation to restrict civil rights (the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Regulation 1999 and amendments to the Intoxicated Persons Act) refused to introduce any protective legislation for vulnerable renters and the homeless. Mega-events lead to breaches of international human rights law and Sydney 2000 was no exception. Not all the people shared in the spirit and the 'best games ever' did not leave the 'best' legacy for tenants, boarders and the homeless.
Military
order: a terrible swift sword: terrorism, military tribunals and the Rule of
Law
by Greg Carne
A discussion about the Military
Order issued by President Bush, which provides for the detention and trial of
non-United States citizen suspects before military commissions in place of civilian
courts.
Youth Affairs
column
by Louis Schetzer
The column discusses lowering the age of consent for homosexuals in Western Australia, a new specialist legal centre for youth in Victoria and a project to help young people understand mental illness.
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