Time and time again, studies have shown that innocent people confess – or make ‘admissions’ – to crimes they never could have committed. If this has happened to you, there may still be a way for you to make sure that it is never used against your in court. Was the confession recorded and signed?… Read more »
The annual bushfire season in Australia is well-underway, and with temperatures around the country once again reaching extremes, emergency services have had a lot on their plate. South Australia in particular has been devastated by bushfires in the scenic Adelaide Hills region, with several people tragically losing their homes and belongings, and wildlife in the… Read more »
How would you feel if your local council installed CCTV cameras in your suburb in a bid to reduce crime? Would it make you feel safer whilst walking on the streets, or would privacy concerns outweigh any perceived benefits? These questions are being considered by residents of Wagga Wagga; a regional centre located in the… Read more »
Most of us have had a hero growing up, and we may even have tried to become like them. In 1967, a 20-year-old Australian man tried to copy the actions of his hero, but ended up committing a murder he never intended. This case would become a precedent for the law on murder in Australia,… Read more »
Have you ever wondered what factors influence the imposition of mandatory and maximum sentences for a particular crime? Or who reviews sentences for specific offences to ensure that they are aligned with social expectations and ideals? The New South Wales Sentencing Council is a special body that plays a crucial role in sentencing law reform…. Read more »
Since the passing of the controversial one-punch laws in New South Wales, it appears that mandatory minimum sentences are becoming more commonplace. The latest raft of legislation to be hit with minimum sentences is contained in Schedule 2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act, which deals with firearms offences. Amendments recently passed by Parliament now impose… Read more »
Making a police report (for a ‘police AVO’) or filling out an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) form (for a ‘private AVO’) can be relatively quick and straightforward. But it can potentially have far-reaching consequences for the other person. Many AVOs are taken out during the context of a domestic relationship breakdown and unfortunately they may… Read more »
Magistrates and Judges sit and hear the evidence raised by the parties, then make decisions based upon that evidence alone. Their role is not to conduct an investigation on behalf of society at large. However, this highly restrictive view of the judiciary’s role has not always been a part of our legal history. Until the… Read more »
Ever wondered what it would be like to be immune from the reach of the criminal law in just about every country? If so, a diplomat may be the right career for you! While of course we would never encourage anyone to take up a life of crime, it is true that diplomats do enjoy… Read more »
Imagine being sent to prison because of the incompetence of your lawyer – and knowing that he or she would never be held legally responsible for their negligence. If you are unhappy with the services your lawyer has provided, you can fire them at any time. However, you will usually have to pay for all… Read more »
