Criminal Law: Then, Now, Tomorrow

Since it opened in early 2023, Supreme Court Library Queensland’s (SCLQ) dynamic and interactive exhibition exploring the history and future of Queensland’s Criminal Code has attracted over 1000 visitors.

The appeal of this semi-permanent installation in the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre lies in the importance and relevance of the Criminal Code to all Queenslanders.

Criminal law: then, now, tomorrow explores the chronology and evolution of the Code over more than 120 years to adapt to our everchanging values and morals, attitudes and expectations, political and economic influences, and rapid technological developments. It also asks visitors to speculate on future adaptions.

From laws about witchcraft and fortune-telling to social media usage and domestic and family violence, what will this ‘living, breathing’ document look like in the next 10, 100, 1000 years? Our criminal law may need to be amended to include offences for behaviour and circumstances we have not yet imagined.

“A fascinating collection of audio commentaries from law academics is initiating interesting discussion on the areas of criminal law they believe may require reform in future,” said SCLQ Programs Manager (Community Engagement and Education) Kirsten Murray.

“Technology is a common theme, from automated vehicles to courtroom technology. Other topics include pandemics and voluntary assisted dying reforms,” she said.

The library has also been surveying visitors to find out what their concerns are, and which topics they think law makers may need to consider and address now and in future.

Kirsten said school students are concerned about racism, gender equality, and the impact of technology on them, whether that’s civil surveillance, artificial intelligence, or other things that involve metadata and privacy.

The exhibition is an enlightening experience for members of the profession and anyone in the community seeking to learn more about the law. It is free to visit, and guided tours are available for groups of 5–40 people, on request.

Criminal law: then, now, tomorrow
Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre
Ground floor, QEII Courts of Law
415 George Street, Brisbane

FREE ENTRY – 8.30am to 4.30pm, weekdays

Visit sclqld.org.au/criminal-law for more information or to book a tour.