By Blake O’Connor and Ugur Nedim A recent case with a very long history serves as yet another example of DNA profiling being used to solve crime. DNA profiling refers to the examination of biological material obtained from two or more separate sources to determine whether they are likely to have the same origin. DNA evidence… Read more »
By Sonia Hickey and Ugur Nedim Technology is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Its ever-changing presence is affecting our work, our home life and even the way we keep in touch with friends and family. So it’s no surprise that one of our oldest institutions, our courts, are gradually embracing technology too. Audio visual… Read more »
By Blake O’Connor and Ugur Nedim Radio shock jocks and tabloid newspapers often publish sensationalised reports accusing magistrates and judges of being ‘soft on crime’ by imposing lenient sentences on those who commit serious offences. Those reports are often presented in a misleading fashion, ignoring many of the facts to invoke the emotions of the… Read more »
As countries around the world grapple with prison overcrowding, the United States has announced it will end privatisation of prisons at a federal level within the next five years. The US was the first country to privatise prisons in the early 1980s, when privatisation seen as a way to reduce government spending. Private companies also… Read more »
Last year, NSW Attorney-General Gabrielle Upton foreshadowed new laws to make it a criminal offence to engage in ‘disrespectful behaviour’ inside the courtroom. The proposal was in response to a number of high-profile cases where defendants refused to stand for judges in court. During his trial, Milad bin Ahmad-Shah al-Ahmadza, accused of shooting a man outside… Read more »
A suite of new strata laws were passed by the NSW parliament on August 12. The 90-odd changes outlined in the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 are said to provide a modern framework for people living in apartments and townhouses. Some of the key changes to strata laws include a more streamlined process for collective… Read more »
By Blake O’Connor and Ugur Nedim Prosecutors in NSW are required to follow a range of rules, which include duties of fairness and disclosure to the defence. They are meant to act to a high ethical standard in the performance of their duties, recognising that a well-resourced prosecution carries immense power over those whose liberty… Read more »
It seems the exorbitant cost of medical treatment in NSW has caused one man to take drastic action. A 52-year-old Port Macquarie man suffering the effects of being kicked in the ‘family jewels’ by a horse – and being unable to afford the recommended procedure – decided to find a more affordable option. In early May,… Read more »
By Matthew Drogemuller and Ugur Nedim Intimidation-type offences have been enacted to prohibit the making of threats towards the personal safety of others. For instance, section 60(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) makes it an offence to assault, throws a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a police officer who is in the execution… Read more »
Despite the sums of money involved in this case, it is not a story about a famous actor, sports star or wealthy statesperson. It is about an ordinary English couple whose relationship breakup has just cost the woman £200,000. And although it didn’t happen in NSW, it sends a warning that greed can have serious… Read more »