Criminology Research Council grant ; (15/97-8)
This research project examined the role of hearing loss and communication disability within the Northern Territory criminal justice system. In particular, the research project focused on the identification of areas of disadvantage to Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons involved within the criminal justice system. Methods of identification included assessment of audiological function of inmates, identification of current and appropriate follow-up services, consequences of deleterious acoustic factors in courtrooms and rooms through all stages of the criminal justice system as well as identifying current professional opinion of aspects of hearing loss in the criminal justice system. A focus group consisting of medical staff, audiologists, lawyers, hearing service providers, police and prison staff outlined issues pertinent to the study as well as provided recommendations to assist in the development of appropriate models of service delivery.