When a Drunken Hug Turned to Tragedy
Zak Harvey was having a great time. The 32-year-old was out on a Saturday night in Perth, clubbing and drinking. An affectionate person by nature, Harvey was on the street outside a nightclub giving hugs to passers-by in the early...
Alternative Verdicts in Criminal Law
Being charged with a criminal offence can be daunting, and being acquitted of the charges following a hearing or trial is obviously a desirable outcome for any defendant. But did you know that in some situations, you can be acquitted...
‘Dying Declarations’: ‘It was………..’
We’ve all seen it in movies - a killer has struck and, just before dying, the victim utters a clue that is instrumental in solving the whole mystery. This is known as a ‘dying declaration’ and often proves to be...
Indigenous Australian Locked Up in Detention
In what could be an embarrassing mix-up for Australian immigration authorities, reports have surfaced recently about a 39-year-old Indigenous man wrongfully locked up in detention. The man, who says his name is Eddie David, is accused by the Department of...
Teaching About Encryption to be Made Illegal
What does the Defence Trade Controls Act have to do with education and research? Quite a lot, under laws due to come into force next year. The Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) is a compilation of technologies and goods...
Getting Damages for Malicious Prosecutions in NSW
If a person believes they have been the subject of unjustified criminal proceedings, they may have grounds to claim back their legal costs or even sue for malicious prosecution. Claiming costs at the end of Local Court proceedings Section 213...
Should We Ban Suspected Jihadists From Using the Internet?
Following the death of 18-year-old Victorian Jake Bilardi in March, there has been a great deal of discussion amongst politicians and police about how we should prevent ‘impressionable’ young Australians from being swayed to join extremist terrorist groups. Now, Victorian...
Whistleblowers Face Prison for Revealing Conditions in Detention Centres
Ever heard of the Australian Border Force Act? Chances are, you probably haven’t. This law was passed recently, quietly, and by both parties of parliament with little fanfare, and will come into effect in July 2015. You probably have, however,...
Which State is the Toughest on Crime?
A new Report by the Judicial Commission of NSW shows that sentences imposed in NSW are generally harsher than sentences for similar crimes in Victoria and Queensland. The Report looked at the period 2006 to 2013 and focussed on five...
Sexual Relationships With Prison Inmates
Back in 2000, three girls were sexually assaulted by a notorious gang led by the Skaf brothers. It may sound incredible, but several years later a prison psychologist, 33 year old Joanne Natalie Senior, started a love affair with one...
