Should a person ever be sterilised against their will?
If someone has an intellectual disability and could not take care of children, would it ever be justified to order their sterilisation? It’s a question that poses an ethical and moral dilemma; requiring a careful consideration of several competing interests....
Are Proceeds of Crime Laws Unfair?
We have penned a number of blogs over the years about proceeds of crime laws and the applicable penalties. Under section 193C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), it is a criminal offence to possess or deal with property that...
Why are there ‘home-grown’ terrorists?
It was reported last week that a potential terrorist attack in Sydney was averted just hours before it was scheduled to occur. The suspects were allegedly apprehended just hours after purchasing a hunting knife and filming a video of their...
Police Ignorance of the Law – Should They Have More Legal Training?
Police are supposed to uphold and maintain the law, but a recent court case shows that in some instances, officers do not even understand the charges that they are pressing against members of the public. The misapplication of criminal charges...
Should we cancel the passports of suspected terrorists?
In the wake of terrorist attacks such as the Sydney siege and the Charlie Hebdo shootings, national leaders have proposed various means of dealing with those who are suspected of terrorism. While criminal law imposes heavy penalties for terrorism, politicians...
Should welfare recipients lose their benefits if they test positive to drugs?
In recent years, the suggestion that those on, or applying for, welfare benefits should be forced to undergo drug testing has gained popularity several Western nations. More than that, it has actually been implemented in some countries including New Zealand...
Should lie detectors be used in Australia?
The law says that the prosecution must prove a case beyond reasonable doubt in order for a person to be found guilty of a criminal offence. But in reality, many cases are decided upon whichever party comes across as credible...
Should the Government Control the Sex Lives of Consenting Adults?
The media hype right now may circulate about “Fifty Shades of Grey” coming to big screen, but anyone with a law degree will no doubt remember an equivalent case in the criminal law component of their studies. The case of...
Legal Aid Funding Cuts and the Right to a Fair Trial
The right to a fair trial is an essential cornerstone of our legal system, but the Federal Government’s cuts to Legal Aid funding look set to erode this important safeguard. The government’s tough budgetary measures have resulted in widespread funding...
Deaths from Drug Overdoses – Should Drug Suppliers be held Accountable?
We recently published a blog about the “A State of Trance” music festival in Sydney, where a 19-year-old man tragically lost his life from a suspected drug overdose. As with many of our blogs, the post sparked a lively discussion...
