Throw away the key2014

The Australian criminal justice system is littered with examples of dangerous criminals being released on parole, only for them to commit heinous crimes again. In a justice system where 'life' rarely means 'life', innocent Australian victims every year lose their lives as a result of the well-oiled revolving doors of our prisons. Even criminals assessed as 'highly likely to re-offend' and with prolific criminal records are released early, with no regard for one of the prime factors in sentencing in the first place - the need to ensure the protection of the community. In this hard-hitting book, highly credentialled lawyer Joe St John looks at the tragic effects these repeat offenders have on innocent victims and their families. The 'human face' behind these avoidable crimes is a story which needs to be told.