Criminal justice and criminology research network current research activities

Thalia Anthony's research is focused on Indigenous legal rights, particularly in the criminal justice system and in relation to civil remedies. Her work on criminal sentencing seeks to identify how the punitive turn has reimagined Indigenous factors in relation to culture, customary law and disadvantage. She has undertaken fieldwork in Warlpiri communities in the Northern Territory to assess the impact of policing since the Northern Territory Intervention. Her fieldwork has also engaged former Indigenous cattle workers who were denied their wages. She has written articles and prepared legal briefs on stolen wages as well as conducted critical analyses of the case law in relation to the Stolen Generations. More broadly, Thalia's research is concerned with critical criminology theory, accountability in the criminal justice system and alternative justice mechanisms.

Katherine Biber studies the role of evidence in crime, particularly visual evidence. With a focus upon photographic evidence, Katherine is interested in the intersection of art, science and visual culture. With a background in history and criminology, Katherine is also exploring the role of race, gender, sexuality and transgression in law and culture.

Tracey Booth is conducting socio-legal research into victim participation in sentencing. Her interest lies in therapeutic jurisprudence and emotion. She is involved in reform-oriented research into the role of victims in sentencing, and into NSW bail laws. Download research poster.

Penny Crofts studies wickedness in criminal laws. She also has a strong interest in researching the criminalisation and regulation of the sex industry in NSW.

Ian Dobinson researches manslaughter, particularly negligent manslaughter, with a current focus upon doctors.  He also has an interest in criminal law theory, particularly the role of emotion in criminal law defences.

Lesley Townsley studies the role of emotion in law and decision-making. Engaging in cross-disciplinary approaches to emotion, Lesley is investigating ethical, evidentiary and doctrinal aspects of criminal laws.  She continues to research and write about reforms to the NSW bail laws.