Judicial Time Lords: Media Direction vs. Judicial Independence

The International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, Vol. 5, Issue 1, 2010

15 Pages Posted: 3 Nov 2012

See all articles by DR Pamela D Schulz OAM

DR Pamela D Schulz OAM

University of South Australia -School of Law Justice and Society

Andrew J. Cannon

University of Adelaide - School of Law; Münster University; Flinders University - School of Law

Date Written: June 1, 2010

Abstract

News stories and their headlines first collated and analysed by Schulz (2008, 2010) have clearly identified a significant continuing Discourse of Time, which is being used to analyze the work of courts and judges and influence policy decisions. This paper suggests that time discourse is a very powerful influence in public perception transmission and suggests ways in which authorities can identify and modify responses direct to community. A corpus of sentencing remarks randomly sourced in Australia from various Criminal Courts websites since 2008 indicates judicial officers appear unaware of the need to reframe discursive presentations for community. Sentences appear offender focused rather than driven by the need for community reassurance. This article provides a multidisciplinary approach using communication theory and legal perspectives. This unique collaboration into Time and its challenges for authorities reliant on public confidence (and funding) provides evidence that the Discourse of Time and its construction is used as a major evaluative measure of them. Sentencing presentations thus may be considered in light of these findings.

Keywords: media and courts, discourse, sentencing, time

JEL Classification: K10, K14, K40, K41, J20

Suggested Citation

Schulz, DR Pamela and Cannon, Andrew James, Judicial Time Lords: Media Direction vs. Judicial Independence (June 1, 2010). The International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, Vol. 5, Issue 1, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2170266

DR Pamela Schulz

University of South Australia -School of Law Justice and Society ( email )

GPO BOX 2471
ADELAIDE, South Australia 5001
Australia

Andrew James Cannon (Contact Author)

University of Adelaide - School of Law ( email )

Ligertwood Building
Adelaide 5005, South Australia SA 5005
Australia

Münster University ( email )

Schlossplatz 2 48149
Münster, North Rhiine Westphalia 48149
Germany

Flinders University - School of Law ( email )

Adelaide S.A. 5001
Australia

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