When domestic sentencing practices violate international human rights norms: a case study in international drug trafficking

Mrs Helen Haslem1

1Monash University,

Sentences imposed by Australian courts on convicted international drug traffickers appear moderate in comparison with the death penalty or irreducible life sentences, but it does not follow that Australian sentences are therefore compliant with international human rights norms.  Based  on a sample of 94 convicted international drug traffickers – including persons who imported drugs concealed on their person or in their luggage – this presentation describes how domestic sentencing outcomes may violate Australia’s international human rights obligations.


Biography:

Helen is a former federal prosecutor and investigative lawyer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.  She is a PhD candidate at Monash University under the supervision of Emeritus Professor Arie Freiberg and Dr Heli Askola.