Brett Mason | Queensland University of Technology (original) (raw)
Papers by Brett Mason
QUT Law Review, 1996
The primary focus of this paper however, is the testing of the Act against international human ri... more The primary focus of this paper however, is the testing of the Act against international human rights standards. It is an approach encouraged by the increasing deference to international human rights norms within the academic and judicial arenas. Thus it is appropriate that due regard be given to international values in determining the benchmarks for acceptable treatment of young offenders, notwithstanding that the instruments in which some such values are explicated have not been incorporated into municipal law.
The Australian Quarterly, 1993
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 1994
At first, I was sceptical and thought that 48 respondents were too few to give useful answers to ... more At first, I was sceptical and thought that 48 respondents were too few to give useful answers to the questions posed for this research. However, although the sample is small, as an ex-probation officer I believe this book gives a good representation of offenders who are sentenced to supervision. The stories could be those of many I have worked with over the years. The study shows that supervision can facilitate rehabilitation in situations where the offender is ready to make the change, and if a positive relationship exists between the offender and the probation officer. Getting something out of the sentence and being positive about the probation officer were found to be closely related. The methodology used by Dr Leibrich is an interesting and exciting one but it is also one of the most difficult and time consuming, particularly when respondents such as these are usually wary of strangers who might be part of the 'system'. As well, it is considerably more difficult to locate offenders 'in the field' compared with those who are institutionalised. This type of research requires a mature and sensitive researcher which Dr Leibrich undoubtedly is. Her descriptions of locating respondents and gaining their trust gives us important insight into her work. The research is well designed. Throughout the book Leibrich has given a thoughtful and honest presentation of her research strategy. In the section of methodology, her rigorously kept journal notes are presented and these illustrate the pitfalls and the merits of this research. Together with her careful explanation of the data analysis this chapter becomes a most valuable contribution to social Science research. It is more important to recognise the limitations of the study which focuses on a small sample of offenders. Although they are representative of offenders sentenced to supervision, they are not necessarily representative of the vast majority of offenders in New Zealand, who are not sentenced to supervision. For example, first offenders or offenders who are much more heavily committed to the criminal lifestyle. The study shows that intervention instigated by the court and carried out by probation officers can assist and support those who might be ready to make a lifestyle change, thereby reducing their offending. It also demonstrates that generally a reduction in offending will not come about by penalties alone. However, presumably for some offenders who reach a point where they have acquired a situation which they value, and which they fear losing such as satisfactory employment, the combination and sequence of events could act as a catalyst without the sentence of supervision. This book makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of criminal behaviour as well as providing an excellent text on a particular type of social research methodology.
QUT Law Review, 1996
The primary focus of this paper however, is the testing of the Act against international human ri... more The primary focus of this paper however, is the testing of the Act against international human rights standards. It is an approach encouraged by the increasing deference to international human rights norms within the academic and judicial arenas. Thus it is appropriate that due regard be given to international values in determining the benchmarks for acceptable treatment of young offenders, notwithstanding that the instruments in which some such values are explicated have not been incorporated into municipal law.
The Australian Quarterly, 1993
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 1994
At first, I was sceptical and thought that 48 respondents were too few to give useful answers to ... more At first, I was sceptical and thought that 48 respondents were too few to give useful answers to the questions posed for this research. However, although the sample is small, as an ex-probation officer I believe this book gives a good representation of offenders who are sentenced to supervision. The stories could be those of many I have worked with over the years. The study shows that supervision can facilitate rehabilitation in situations where the offender is ready to make the change, and if a positive relationship exists between the offender and the probation officer. Getting something out of the sentence and being positive about the probation officer were found to be closely related. The methodology used by Dr Leibrich is an interesting and exciting one but it is also one of the most difficult and time consuming, particularly when respondents such as these are usually wary of strangers who might be part of the 'system'. As well, it is considerably more difficult to locate offenders 'in the field' compared with those who are institutionalised. This type of research requires a mature and sensitive researcher which Dr Leibrich undoubtedly is. Her descriptions of locating respondents and gaining their trust gives us important insight into her work. The research is well designed. Throughout the book Leibrich has given a thoughtful and honest presentation of her research strategy. In the section of methodology, her rigorously kept journal notes are presented and these illustrate the pitfalls and the merits of this research. Together with her careful explanation of the data analysis this chapter becomes a most valuable contribution to social Science research. It is more important to recognise the limitations of the study which focuses on a small sample of offenders. Although they are representative of offenders sentenced to supervision, they are not necessarily representative of the vast majority of offenders in New Zealand, who are not sentenced to supervision. For example, first offenders or offenders who are much more heavily committed to the criminal lifestyle. The study shows that intervention instigated by the court and carried out by probation officers can assist and support those who might be ready to make a lifestyle change, thereby reducing their offending. It also demonstrates that generally a reduction in offending will not come about by penalties alone. However, presumably for some offenders who reach a point where they have acquired a situation which they value, and which they fear losing such as satisfactory employment, the combination and sequence of events could act as a catalyst without the sentence of supervision. This book makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of criminal behaviour as well as providing an excellent text on a particular type of social research methodology.