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LEGISLATIVE ASPECTS OF THE BATTERED BABY SYNDROME IN THE VARIOUS STATES OF AUSTRALIA
Author(s) -
Fotheringham B. J.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1974.tb70739.x
Subject(s) - legislation , legislature , law , state (computer science) , political science , standardization , medicine , algorithm , computer science
The current legislation in the various States and Territories of Australia covering the battered baby syndrome is reviewed. Most States do not have provision either for mandatory reporting or specific legal Immunity for a doctor who does report. South Australia has the most precise legislation In this regard. Although the legislation is not uniform throughout Australia, It Is suggested that exact standardization of the law is not essential. A standard form of State approach to the problem by means of multidisclplinary committees Is advocated, based on the Tasmanian model. In that State the Attorney‐General acts as the committee chairman. Although It may not be possible for the Attorney‐General In the other States to fill this role, at least one person of high standing In the legal profession should be included in each State committee. Such State committees, under the direct or indirect control of the Attorneys‐General, would not only be of benefit in providing a local source of top‐level legal advice, but they would facilitate better communication between the States concerning the legal, medical and social problems involved in managing the “battered child”.