A “Shadow Pandemic”: COVID Leads to Rise in Domestic Violence Offences
Since the start of the pandemic, concerns have been raised that a combination of household isolation due to lockdowns as well as work and financial stress could lead to a wave of domestic violence offences not just in our state,...
What is ‘Excessive Force’ During an Arrest in NSW?
Many were shocked this week by the footage of Sydney University Law Professor Simon Rice being pushed to the ground whilst observing a student protest. Professor Rice was placed under arrest for violating COVID-19 restrictions, with many questioning both the...
Should it Be a Crime to Exert ‘Coercive Control’ Over a Domestic Partner?
In a move met with a mixed response from family violence experts, a law has been introduced into New South Wales parliament which aims to make it a criminal offence to isolate and control a domestic partner through coercive means....
The Historical Offence of Homosexuality in Australia
The history of homosexual law reform in Australia, and NSW in particular, is one of resistance against injustice and a recognition of the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ Australians. The crime of buggery Australia inherited its anti-homosexual laws from England....
Is a Strong Police Presence the Best Way to Deal with COVID-19?
As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, questions are increasingly being asked about the use of police to ensure compliance both locally and abroad. Here is what we know about the use of police during times of public health...
Mental Health Laws Are Set to Change In NSW
Key aspects of NSW forensic mental health laws are set to change in 2021 following the passage of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Bill 2020 (NSW) last month. The changes will clarify principles involved in key forensic...
Alternatives to Calling the Police in New South Wales
The police killing of George Floyd in the United States has led to protests across the globe calling for changes to policing – including an end to police brutality and the targeting of certain groups, as well as better training....
Former High Court Justice Dyson Heydon: No Stranger to Controversy
Former High Court Justice Dyson Heydon AC is facing allegations of sexual harassment from six of his former associates, after a High Court Inquiry found the claims of the women to be substantiated. Mr Heydon, who sat on the High...
Government Forces Messaging Platforms to Surrender Information
Social media has allowed us to connect with friends and family during these difficult and physically isolating times, but it has also given many of us a false sense of privacy and security when using platforms such as Facebook Messenger....
The Law on Observing, Filming and Distributing Intimate Images in NSW
Isolation can be lonely, so it’s only natural that many of us will be reaching out in intimate ways via text and video-calls whilst we are cooped up indoors. But ‘sexting’ in the time of COVID-19 comes with certain risks...
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