A world without boundaries: crime in the 21^st century
The 12^th International Criminal Law Congress will be held at the Sheraton Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast, Queensland between Wednesday 20^th and Sunday 24^th October 2010 on the theme "A World without Boundaries - Crime in the 21^st Century".

A highly motivated organizing committee chaired by Judge John Robertson of the District Court of Queensland based at Maroochydore Sunshine Coast, has put together a programme which will explore contemporary issues of international and national criminal justice.

The programme will include such diverse topics as identity fraud and crime associated with the Internet, recent developments in the science of the mind and its impact on criminal responsibility; developments in the International Criminal Court, international developments in therapeutic justice; decriminalisation of Portugal's drug laws and the effect on crime rates, the use of language in modern penal statutes to mislead, legal discourse and the criminal law and indigenous issues focusing on the Palm Island and Arukun cases. There will be an important session on public confidence and sentencing which will explore the results of a significant longitudinal research programme exploring this issue, and a paper on the Gangland Trials in Victoria presented by Justice Betty King. A large number of prominent commentators from Australia, New Zealand and other countries have agreed to participate including Professor Roger Clark from Rutgers University New Jersey; Dr Michael King from Monash University; Julian Burnside QC; Professors Roland Sussex. Kate Warner and Geraldine McKenzie to name just a few. Dr Joao Goulao the Portugese national drugs coordinator and head of the Institute for Drugs and Drug Addiction will present a paper on his country's experience in the wake of the decriminalisation on most drug use in 2001. The Chief Justice of Queensland, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC will present the keynote speech at the conference. A number of other prominent Judges will be involved as speakers and commentators.

There will be a very interesting social programme including the congress dinner at the Sheraton Noosa and the traditional long lunch to be held at rickis on the river at Noosa Heads.

The venue is close to some of the most beautiful beaches and natural features in Australia including the World Heritage listed Fraser Island. It is hoped that a number of guided walks will be available before and after congress sessions to explore the magnificent Noosa National Park which is a short walk from the venue.

In keeping with previous conferences there is certain to be controversy and also fun with the traditional social functions being maintained. The conference should be of interest to not only Judges and Magistrates and practising lawyers, defence and prosecution, but also to teachers, researchers and students of law. As well as the venue, rooms will be booked in more modestly priced accommodation within walking distance of the venue.