Penalties for Fraud and Deception Offences: Recent Case Studies
Deception offences cover a broad range of criminal offences that can be committed against the Commonwealth or against individuals. Penalties for deception offences can vary considerably, depending on a number of different factors. Deception and fraud are two offences that...
Wrongful Convictions in Australia: Less Likely to be Overturned than Other Countries
Although Australia is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in the world, and has a sophisticated criminal justice system, an Innocence Project lawyer has highlighted a number of deficiencies in the way that the Australian legal system...
Should Police Be Allowed to Police Themselves? The NT’s Top-Cop Resigns Amidst Allegations of Corruption
Over the years, we’ve published many blogs about corrupt politicians, police, lawyers and even magistrates. But it seems that even the highest members of the police force are not immune from claims of corruption, with Northern Territory Police Commissioner John...
Should the PM be Allowed to Issue Knighthoods?
If you’ve been watching the news lately, you may be surprised to hear that the Prime Minister has recently awarded two knighthoods. The recipients are the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, as well as Defence Force Chief Angus Houston, who was...
Is It Still Stealing If You Believe You Are Entitled To Take It?
If you honestly believed that you were owed something, and you took it without the other person’s consent, are you guilty of stealing? Not necessarily, according to current law. The law says that person who is charged with an offence...
Tim Ellis Sacked From Role as Tasmania’s Director of Public Prosecutions
The past year has seen a number of prominent Australians step down from public leadership positions. In April last year, then NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell stood down from his role after allegations of unethical conduct surfaced during an ICAC investigation....
Is Fingerprint Evidence Becoming Less Conclusive?
Fingerprints have long been seen as an infallible form of evidence, but in reality fingerprint evidence is only as good as the fingerprint examiner and quality of the print. Experienced criminal defence lawyers will be able to give numerous examples...
Smoking – Are the Restrictions Getting Too Harsh?
While smoking is still legal in Australia, restrictions on smokers are getting increasingly tighter and fines are in place for ignoring them. Councils across the country are banning smoking in public spaces, particularly in city centres, and it appears that...
Making the Most of Practical Legal Training
A career in law can be stimulating and rewarding, but it is also very stressful and demanding. The academic work is difficult, and no matter how well you do, you won’t be allowed to practice as a lawyer until you...
Moving Backwards with Bail – Is Making Bail Harder a Good or Bad Thing?
The long-awaited overhaul of the outdated Bail Act 1978 has encountered many bumps in the road towards reform. Since it came into effect on 20 May 2014, the new Bail Act 2013 has sparked fierce debate from all ends of...
