National Security and the D-Notice System

Pauline Sadler, Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia

Contents: Introduction; The right to freedom of speech; History of the D-Notice system in the UK to 1945; History post 1945 and current operation of the D-Notice system in the UK; History and operation of the D-Notice system in Australia; The use of the criminal law in relation to the disclosure of sensitive information; Injunctions to restrain a breach of the criminal law - UK and Australia; The use of the civil actions of breach of confidence and copyright; National security and The state; Free speech and national security; The government, media and judiciary; Recommendations and conclusion; Bibliography.