Unraveling the shadows: the troubling saga of the Lehrmann trial
In a perplexing turn of events, the report from the Board of Inquiry into the Criminal Justice System – specifically into the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, accused of an alleged rape at Australian Parliament House in 2019 – has been unveiled. However, far from providing a sense of closure, the report has ignited a wave of criticism directed at the judiciary and handling of the case by the Australian Federal Police. This trial’s narrative is a poignant reminder of systemic failures within the criminal justice system and the undeniable need for transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to sexual violence perpetrated against women.
The unraveling of the trial of Lehrmann began in October 2022, when jury misconduct led to its abrupt termination. The ensuing inquiry, commissioned by the ACT government and led by Walter Sofronoff KC, was entrusted with examining the trial’s mishandling. The findings are distressing: a cascade of mishaps involving Liberal Party ministers, the Australian Federal Police, and the maltreatment of the complainant in the trial, Brittany Higgins. The report’s release raises grave concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the judicial process.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to New Politics to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.