11th November 2020 19:00:00 - 20:30:00 GMT
Panel debate
Inequality, poverty and crime are connected in our society. The poor are punished not only through (ab)use of out of date laws, such as the Vagrancy Act, but through subtle and not so subtle forms of discrimination. Covid-19 has shone a light on some of the stark inequalities in our society, with those most financially vulnerable most at risk of falling into arrears, eviction from their homes and the associated criminal sanctions. In this interactive debate, we will explore the ways in which this happens and how to stop this. A panel of experts from academia, policy and practice will debate how we can end the criminalisation of the poor and respond to questions and comments raised by the audience. The event will feature an overview by Professor Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, Director, Centre for Crime, Justice and Policing, University of Birmingham, a quick historical recap of antiquated laws and contributions by the panellists: Professor Eddie Kane, Centre for Health and Justice, Richard Garside, Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and Tara Casey from Appeal (a charity law practice that fights miscarriages of justice)
This website is an archived version of the 2020 festival, visit the main website for this years events