Sydney Criminal Lawyers® Weekly Rundown – Articles from 13 to 19 August 2018
In case you’ve missed any of them, here’s a rundown of the past week’s articles: Changes to NSW Sentencing Options: Community Correction Orders Community Correction Orders are expected to replace Community Service Orders and ‘Section 9’ Good Behaviour Bonds in...
Law Society Opposes Changes to Sexual Assault Consent Laws
The NSW state government commissioned a review of the laws relating to consent in sexual assault cases in May 2018, following the acquittal of a man accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year old woman in an alleyway behind his father’s...
What to Do if Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault?
High-profile cases such as the trial of Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes, the investigation of Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and comedian Bill Cosby, and the prosecution of Australian entertainer Rolf Harris, along with the rise of the #metoo movement,...
Can I Change My Plea from Guilty to Not Guilty?
Defendants who are charged with criminal offences are often unsure as to how they should plead. This uncertainty may arise as a result of not fully understanding the essential elements (or ingredients) of the charges they are facing. They may...
Convicted Catholic Archbishop Resigns
The most senior Catholic in the world to be convicted of concealing a serious indictable offence has resigned amid intense public pressure. 67-year old Adelaide Archbishop Phillip Wilson stepped-down from his position yesterday, more than two months after being found...
Public Justice Offences: Protecting the Integrity of the Criminal Justice System
Federal prosecutors in the United States recently accused president Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, of tampering with potential witnesses whilst on bail. Prosecutors directed by special counsel, Robert Muller, allege Mr Manafort and an associate repeatedly attempted to...
How to Write a Character Reference for Court
For those who are pleading guilty to a criminal or traffic offence, it is a good idea to arrange for the preparation of up to three character reference letters for the court to consider during the sentencing process. References that...
Is Catfishing Illegal?
Using the internet to meet new friends, set up potential dates, hook up sexual liaisons or seek out a life partner is a worldwide phenomenon. For the most part, users of online social platforms can rely on the profiles of...
Cost Orders in NSW Criminal Cases: The Legislation and Exerts from Case-Law
In certain circumstances, defendants in criminal proceedings may be able to have their legal costs reimbursed - relieving some of the financial burden associated with being the subject of a prosecution. Two of the most common ways for a defendant...
The youth mental health crisis in Australia
Recent figures suggest a dramatic increase in the number of young people and children presenting at hospital Emergency Departments for self-harm, stress and anxiety, mood, behavioural and emotional disorders. In New South Wales, Emergency Departments saw a 27 per cent...
