Police to Access Bank Records Without A Warrant
The NSW Police Force announced last week that it will be seeking broad new powers to access bank data without a warrant, provided that police claim to suspect that a person is engaging in criminal conduct. If the laws are...
RIP Freedom of Speech
Many Australians believe that we can freely express what we think, without fear of prosecution. Indeed, freedom of speech has been part of our democratic tradition for generations. But a string of recent laws have chipped away at our right...
Community Legal Centres Under Threat
There are thousands of lawyer jokes out there, and the legal profession isn’t exactly the most beloved group of people. But in times of legal trouble, an experienced lawyer may be just what you need. Dedicated lawyers can help reduce...
Restorative Justice – Does It Really Work?
If you had been physically or sexually assaulted, would you ever consider facing the person who assaulted you to tell them how the incident had impacted upon your life? Such a situation might seem confronting, but for some it offers...
Police to Breathalyse Patrons Inside Clubs
Queensland: Home to some of Australia’s most picturesque beaches and natural reefs, it’s a popular holiday destination for tourists looking to relax and unwind. And towards the end of the year, the Sunshine State is the preferred party destination for...
Prison Staff Who Commit Crimes
When you hear about crime happening in prisons, you probably tend to think it’s the inmates, right? Well, it’s not just the prisoners. Prison staff can also be involved, as these two recent cases appear to demonstrate. Trade instructor convicted...
Teacher’s Wrongful Conviction Finally Overturned
In the carefree days of 1979, things were a bit different from the way they are now. Teachers could take students on excursions and camps without other adults being present to keep an eye on things. They could be in...
High Court Spares Izzy’s Life
In February, we wrote a blog about the intriguing story of Izzy, the Staffordshire terrier on death row in Victoria whose case went all the way to the High Court, making legal history. Background After escaping from her home in...
Terrorism Suspects to Have Their Citizenship Revoked
Politicians and media outlets regularly tell us that terrorism is the greatest threat to our Australian values and lifestyle - despite the fact that terrorist attacks occur relatively infrequently compared with other criminal offences. Nevertheless, suggestions that we are at...
Is Being Aggressive Illegal?
An Australian man flying home from Chile last October had an unexpected layover in New Zealand after he was charged with indecent assault and threatening to kill over allegedly becoming drunk and aggressive towards flight staff. While Qantas has a...
