The Magna Carta’s Fascinating Legacy
Although the Middle Ages isn’t renowned as the greatest era for human rights, the Magna Carta was written during that period and is revered and venerated as one of the earliest and most influential documents in the common law. It...
Women Imprisoned for Being Too Noisy During Sex
In a case of truth being stranger than fiction, a British woman has been imprisoned for two weeks for being too noisy during sex. That’s right - noisy sex. Following complaints from her sleep-deprived neighbours, the local council took action...
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,...
