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QCJC keen to educate Queensland Police Prosecutors

Friday 22nd Jan 2010

QCJC Director Dan Toombs is hopeful that his forthcoming submission to train Queensland Police Prosecutors with respect to issues of unsoundness of mind and fitness for trial will find a favourable response by the Commissioner of Police Bob Atkinson.

"A significant issue is that for summary matters where issues of fitness or unsoundness of mind arise, there is a disinclination of lawyers to run such matters at trial due to the costs of doing so given the petty nature of the charge or charges.  Under these circumstances, police prosecutors need to be able to properly assess the issues consistent with the law and potentially withdraw charges where such issues are well supported by evidence," Dan said.

"It has been our experience that Prosecutors aren't well versed in matters relating to disability and the legal ramifications if such disability has coerced the criminal behaviour.  We're wanting to train them."