The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse ("RC") has investigated how institutions across the country, including schools, churches, sports clubs and government organisations, have responded to allegations and instances of abuse. In February 2017, the RC released their report on the Catholic Church. The Australian Catholic Church released "grim" data revealing 7% of priests, working between 1950 and 2009, have been accused of child sex crimes; 1880 alleged perpetrators. I have been working with victims of institutional abuse cases (religious and Government Institutions), in various capacities for a number of years. The length of delay in such cases, is a common occurrence and has been said to cause more 'abuse' to the victims. From my experience, I have found the Defendants tardy in their litigation responses, in spirit and the letter of UCPR and litigation principles. The defendants propose to the court this is due to a number of factors. Are … [Read more...]
Smart Strategies To Avoid Delay
We all are aware of the long delays in the FCC and the Family Court, with many of the issues underpinning delay beyond our control, as practitioners. However, there are strategies we can undertake and commit to, as problem solvers, to ensure that we don't unnecessarily contribute to delaying our clients matters, on top of the courts delay. I am asking you, do you have strategies in place to reduce practitioner and in the process, court delay? What strategies can accomplish that, you may ask? Read more to see some simple strategies that can greatly improve your position, to be on the 'front foot' in your clients case. … [Read more...]