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Skating on Thin Ice: Slippery Slope Between Crime and Humour
About the Session
Why do we sometimes laugh at crime? From stand-up routines about petty theft to internet memes about real-life scandals, humour often finds its way into the darkest corners of human behaviour. But is it harmless fun—or are we crossing a line?
In this thought-provoking panel discussion, a group of experts from comedy, criminology, media, and psychology come together to explore the complicated relationship between crime and humour. Together, they’ll unpack questions like:
· Why do jokes about crime make us laugh—or cringe?
· When does humour help us cope, and when does it go too far?
· How do films, TV shows, and social media shape how we think about criminals and justice?
Join us for a lively, eye-opening conversation that balances wit with wisdom, and challenges how we see humour in the face of serious issues. Be ready to laugh—but also to think twice.
John Silvester
John Silvester is Victoria’s most experienced crime reporter and has covered the beat since the late 1970s. He has written, edited and published crime books that have sold more than 1 million copies
in Australia and has won industry awards for print, radio, television and on-line reporting. He has given evidence in Royal Commissions on crime and corruption.
Liz Gaynor
Her Honour Judge Elizabeth Gaynor was appointed to the County Court of Victoria in 2002, following a distinguished and wide-ranging career across journalism and the law. During her time on the bench, Her Honour presided over an extensive range of criminal matters and became known for her strong commitment to rehabilitative justice and her advocacy for openness between the courts and the media. (Source: Russel Kennedy Women's Network website)
Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan has been a forensic psychiatrist for over 20 years.
He trained in England and Australia.
He has given evidence before many Honourable Judges, and has assessed numerous people that John Silvester has written about. His children think his sense of humour is highly inappropriate, and tell him so.