/library/oar/handle/123456789/135759 2025-12-23T19:10:45Z 2025-12-23T19:10:45Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141625 2025-11-25T12:51:22Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Criminalising homelessness? : an analysis of vagrancy, begging and loitering laws in Malta Abstract: This dissertation examines how the Maltese laws of vagrancy, begging and loitering relate to similar international laws that scholars argue disproportionately affect individuals experiencing homelessness. The research purpose was to understand the arguments both supporting and opposing such laws, and to consider how these insights might inform social policy in Malta. A qualitative research design was adopted, in which peer-reviewed academic literature was thematically analysed to identify recurring themes around the criminalisation of homelessness. The analysed articles included discussions on the implications of complaint driven enforcement practices, the barriers to reintegration and support faced by those experiencing homelessness, and the normative justifications for interventions targeting street homelessness. While efforts were made to locate literature outlining the negative consequences of repealing these provisions, no substantive evidence in favour of their retention were identified. This analysis informed the subsequent consideration of vagrancy, begging and loitering laws in Malta, and led to three recommendations: repeal Articles 338(w) and 338(x) of the Criminal Code, phase-out loitering bylaws, and invest in structural supports such as affordable housing and low-threshold services. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141624 2025-11-25T12:45:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A comparative study on the access to social protection for migrant workers from outside the EU who are living in Malta or Ireland on the basis of an employment license Abstract: This dissertation analyses the national social protection legislation of Malta and Ireland, focusing specifically on the Social Security Act of Malta, and Ireland’s Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (running consolidation). Access to four welfare benefits is examined: unemployment benefits, pensions, guaranteed minimum resources, and healthcare benefits. The research aims to assess the level of access third-country national (TCN) workers with a single work permit (Malta) or general work permit (Ireland) have to these benefits, and to identify the challenges they face. Additionally, the study aims to analyse specific social protection characteristics in each country, aligning them with Sainsbury’s theoretical welfare regime framework. The research is contextualised in Chapters 1-3, with a brief introduction to each country’s social protection and third-country national migration contexts. A qualitative research approach is adopted, using policy content analysis and descriptive coding to examine the legislative texts, and a cross-national comparative design is applied to address the two-country focus. The findings and analysis reveal that although the legislation states the same eligibility requirements for all applicants, the intersection of social protection legislation, immigration legislation, and administrative procedures, result in TCN workers being disproportionately disadvantaged when trying to access social protection. Additionally, it is highlighted that both countries demonstrate characteristics of the conservative corporatist and liberal welfare regime types. Considering the findings, key recommendations include modifying legislation to ensure clearer eligibility and decision-making processes, increasing training for professionals involved in the social protection system, and providing unemployment benefits and allowing longer timeframes for TCN workers to find new employment. It is also recommended to increase the accessibility of information for TCN workers, and to promote changes aimed at supporting and protecting all workers equally. Overall, the findings highlight the need for accessible and equitable social protection provision, founded on the principle of valuing and supporting all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141233 2025-11-13T10:13:21Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Perspectives on 3D scanning and reconstruction : implications for crime scene investigations and courtroom evidence Abstract: This dissertation explores the integration of three-dimensional scanning technologies, specifically LiDAR and photogrammetry, within forensic investigations and courtroom procedures in Malta. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with four main stakeholders from the criminology and legal sectors, the study uncovers the transformative and innovative potential of 3D modeling, enhancing crime scene documentation, evidence study and courtroom presentation. Participants identified the immersive nature of such technologies as incredibly valuable for jurors enhanced comprehension and preserving environments and pieces of evidence over time. However, in the course of the research several challenges and drawbacks were also presented during the research; for example concerns over technical reliability, high implementation and maintenance costs, technical or environmental limitations and susceptibility to bias and interpretation. Additionally, institutional barriers, such as insufficient infrastructure or unequipped courts, absence of standardised protocols and cultural resistance, pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of 3D technology in courts of law. Despite these limitations, stakeholders expressed strong support and positive experiences, emphasising the need of regulatory standards and adequate institutional development. Findings suggested that while 3D scanning holds a great potential to revolutionise forensic practices, its success inevitably depends on institutional support and legal clarity. The research concludes by recommending actions for future action, including the development of national guidelines, investment in courtroom spaces and technologies and broader interdisciplinary studies on the topic to support the implementation of these tools within the criminal justice system. Description: B.A. (Hons) Criminology(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141232 2025-11-13T10:07:33Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Eliciting confessions : an exploration of various interrogating techniques adopted by the Malta Police Force Abstract: This study explores how police interrogation practices are applied in Malta, incorporating legal perspectives from a criminal attorney. It examines whether current methods align with ethical, legal, and evidence-based standards, particularly in the absence of a nationally standardised framework for suspect interviewing. Prompted by ongoing debates around coercion and the risk of false confessions, the research assesses the practical application and underlying rationale of current investigative interviewing strategies. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with four police inspectors and one criminal attorney. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns in participant responses, which were then critically examined in the existing literature on ethical interviewing, with particular reference to the PEACE model. Preliminary insights suggest that while participants supported ethical principles and legal safeguards, practices were often influenced by operational pressures and personal experience. The PEACE model was widely valued but inconsistently applied, with greater emphasis on rapport-building and evidence disclosure than on post-interview evaluation. The criminal attorney offered key reflections on procedural gaps and the need for greater oversight. The study indicates a general commitment to ethical interviewing in principle, though its implementation remains uneven. The absence of a unified national framework may contribute to procedural inconsistency. The findings point to the need for structured training, clearer policy, and formal oversight to promote consistent and ethical interviewing practices in Malta. Description: B.A. (Hons) Criminology(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z