News

I would give up... publishing the names of convicted offenders

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

As part of our Justice Matters initiative we are challenging people to think about a criminal justice practice, policy or institution to abolish or abstain from.

It can be conventional or unconventional – the choice is up to you. The challenge isn’t just about abolishing something. We are keen to build alternatives – so we want to encourage people to put forward ideas for something positive. 


I would give up publishing names and addresses of convicted offenders in the majority of cases. It is highly damaging to families, who are innocent of any crime, and it rarely adds to public safety.

Instead, I would offer a service to families who have been affected by the criminal justice system - if they are hidden victims, as they are often described, then they should receive the same sort of consideration that other victims receive.

Dinah Aitken

If you want to take the challenge then click here for more information.