Israel “Constitutionally” Enshrines Its Apartheid System
On 19 July, the Knesset – the Israeli parliament – passed the Nation-State Law, which officially relegates Palestinians in Israel to the rank of second-class citizens. This has effectively enshrined Israel’s decades-old system of apartheid in the nation’s Basic Laws: its...
My Health Record: A Further Erosion of Civil Liberties
The Turnbull government oversaw the 2015 implementation of a system that allows 21 government agencies warrantless access to all citizens’ metadata, while last year, it announced a national facial recognition system that will allow all citizens’ ID photos to be matched with...
The Bias in the Native Title System: An Interview with Barrister Tony McAvoy SC
Recent comments made by native title barrister Tony McAvoy SC regarding flaws in the native title system have caused quite a stir. As reported in the Guardian, the lawyer said that the system “embeds racism,” and contravenes the UN Declaration...
New Zealand Denounces Dutton’s Kiwi Deportation Program
New Zealand justice minister Andrew Little has condemned Australia’s deportation program, as “nebulous” and “airy fairy.” This is the policy that has seen an increasing number of Kiwis being sent to New Zealand for petty crimes, often after living the majority...
Calls to Close Display of Corpses in Sydney
Currently, there are 20 human corpses being exhibited in Sydney. This is despite widespread calls for the exhibition to be shut down because the human bodies are on display without the confirmed consent of the deceased and they’re also suspected...
Rather His Own Man: An Interview with Geoffrey Robertson QC
Human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson has had an illustrious career. The Australian-born lawyer has been a tireless defender of civil rights, with a particular focus on protecting freedom of speech and expression. In 1989, he successfully defended author Salman Rushdie against...
Arresting Drivers for Using Cold and Flu Tablets Will Not Save Lives
NSW roads minister Melinda Pavey has announced there will be an expansion of substances that can ‘influence’ drivers for the purpose of laws against driving under the influence (DUI). She has also announced a strategy designed to assess whether individuals...
Defendants in Domestic Violence Cases Prohibited from Questioning Complainants
Currently, self-represented litigants in the Family Court are permitted to cross-examine opponents, even in circumstances where there has been an allegation of domestic violence. However, the Turnbull government has drafted laws aimed at stopping this. Australian attorney general Christian Porter...
Lawyer Who Showed His Testicles to Client is Struck Off
Back in 2012, Mr and Mrs H retained Boulevarde Lawyers in the lakeside suburb of Toronto in Lake Macquarie to prepare documents and find them legal representation in Vanuatu in relation to the sale of drilling machines. The sole principal...
A Wellness Guide for Lawyers: An Interview with Author Jerome Doraisamy
The 2007 Beaton Consulting and beyondblue national depression initiative revealed depression amongst legal professionals had reached alarming levels. When compared with other professionals, lawyers were found to have experienced the highest levels of depressive symptoms. Indeed, studies have found that one...
