NCJ Number
146198
Date Published
1993
Length
186 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the question of whether women in Australia receive equality from the legal system.
Abstract
The introductory section sets out the terms of reference, scope of the reference, current inquiries dealing with gender bias and equality, the Australian Law Reform Commission's approach to the problem, and the structure of this discussion paper. Recurring issues identified by the Commission include violence, sexual abuse, the classification of women as dependents, and women's lack of access to justice or to political and legal power. The Commission discusses what constitutes human rights and what the terms equality, discrimination, and bias mean. The ultimate question for this paper is how the law assists or hinders women in achieving their basic human rights. Subsequent chapters examine legal protection of equality; access to justice; equal participation in political and public life; equal participation in the legal profession; family, marriage, and relationship issues; work and employment; and economic issues. Matters for further consideration might include violent crimes against women, women offenders and witnesses, civil damages for personal injury, immigration and refugee law, education, health, and social and cultural life. Chapter references