UK moves towards electronic commerce bill

After a lengthy gestation the UK government issued a consultation paper in March 1999 in an attempt to deal with some of the complex and important issues which will affect the development of electronic commerce, in particular the regulation of encryption and digital signatures. John Worthy and Grant Anderson outline the main topics covered by the consultation paper, look at some of the concerns facing government, industry and individual users and give an update on the progress of the proposed legislative measures.     

Attempts

Conclusion Whatever the outcome of any effort to codify the law of attempts, the overriding need is to recognize that this is a complex and unsettled area of doctrine. The drafters of proposed legislation should provide as much assistance as they can so as to ensure that whatever new law is finally enacted, it is clear and unambiguous and not conducive of multiple interpretations, which would only lead us back to our present state of confusion.This is a revised version of a paper presented at a seminar of the Society for the Reform of Criminal Law, Review of Commonwealth Criminal Law, Brisbane, Australia, April 2–5, 1991. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.LL.B., University of Sydney 1975; LL.M., University of Adelaide 1989; D.P.L., University of Adelaide 1991.     

Restoration tactics for seriously corroded Cu and Cu-alloy firearms evidence

A cleaning procedure for seriously weathered or corroded bullets and cartridge casings was developed and implemented for evidence specimens from a multiple homicide. The restoration protocol entailed successive treatments with increasingly aggressive chemical solvents and cleaning solutions while monitoring the progress of the method by optical microscopy. Treatment of worst-case, Cu-alloy jacketed bullets and casings resulted in reconditioned specimens that subsequently underwent successful firearms examinations.     

Participatory Budgeting in Australian Local Government: An Initial Assessment and Critical Issues

Participatory budgeting (PB), a process whereby governments seek direct input from citizens into financial decisions, is gaining a foothold in the community engagement practices of Australian local governments. Following questions of definition, we survey the theoretical terrain, locating PB within several components of local democracy. We then provide details of six PB processes in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. We identify several questions for the future of PB in Australian local governments, including the role of deliberative practices as part of the broader work of councils, the issue of the adaptability of councils and leaders, the impacts upon state and local governments, and the role of third parties. The article concludes by reflecting on how PB sits with democratic practices at the local level if it continues to be implemented.     

Slow Change at the Top: ‘Old Hands’ and ‘Accidental Executives’ in New South Wales Local Government

Scholars and practitioners alike have recognised that an increased role for women leaders in Australian local government would strengthen the sector, yet little research to date has examined the career paths of non‐elected officials. This article combines the gender in organisations literature with career theory to examine the career paths of 16 general managers (GMs) in New South Wales. We found that half the participants had linear career paths based entirely within local government and half had boundaryless careers originating outside the sector. This second cohort consisted overwhelmingly of women. Nevertheless, a high incidence of happenstance characterised both career types. Several participants saw themselves pitted against a gendered (i.e. male) group of ‘old hands’ who were resistant to change being driven by ‘accidental executives’, a high proportion of whom were women. The findings have implications for a sector attempting to attract and retain skilled staff, particularly women.