Visioning Justice

Young people from diverse backgrounds in Melbourne have experienced significant alienation stemming from the fear evoked in media representations and have subsequently faced intensified police attention and increased justice system intervention.

In 2011 SMLS undertook the Visioning Justice Project, which worked with a small group of these young people. Participants received comprehensive radio production and legal education training. Participants then produced a series of radio documentaries discussing the law, policing and the criminal justice system, including their own experiences and ideas for change.

One of the projects key aims was to get young people’s experiences and opinions onto the airwaves and into the public realm, and to generate a grass roots ‘vision’ of how their communities can engage with criminal justice institutions in a positive and transformative way.

Legal Services Boards Grants Program, 3CR Community Radio, Western Suburbs Legal Service