Are the New Bail Laws here to Stay?
In May this year, a new bail act was introduced in NSW. The Bail Act 2013 signalled a radical departure from previous NSW bail laws. Under the new act, simpler than previous bail laws, the focus is on whether or...
Understanding the Scope of Police Powers of Arrest NSW
Being arrested by the police is a daunting experience for anyone. The balance of the scales is tipped in favour of the police in such situations. You often feel powerless against the process. In particular, the uncertainty of the arrest...
Why is Misuse of Public Office so Serious?
A notable case of misuse of public office is one that recently hit the news. Two men were recently caught out in an illegal activity involving the misuse of a public office. One of the men worked at the Australian...
NSW Criminal Court Statistics – News and Trends
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has recently released a summary of crime statistics for the March 2014 quarter. This report shows a number of interesting trends in criminal activity, sentencing and time taken to finalise court...
Increased Powers for ASIO to Allow Access to Third Party Computers
Proposed changes to the law will potentially give the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) increased powers to monitor and detain alleged terrorists fighting in the Middle East as well as increased powers of cyber surveillance and disruption. These changes are...
Defences to Cultivation of Cannabis Charges
The law relating to cultivating, supplying or possessing prohibited plants such as cannabis in New South Wales is set out in the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (the Act). Cultivation means growing, tending, planting or harvesting of prohibited plants....
The Real World of Young Lawyers
Each year many young people decide to study to become lawyers. There is no doubt that a career in law can be rewarding and interesting but it is also very hard work, especially in the beginning, and many people go...
Driving Furiously and other Less Prosecuted Offences
Throughout history, civilisations have come up with some fairly unusual crimes and possibly even more unusual punishments. Of course, many of these are never, if ever prosecuted. In a country like Australia, where there is an abundance of laws and...
When Should I Fire My Lawyer?
Lawyers are not known as being the most popular people on the planet, and many jokes poke fun at those within the profession who are less than ethical - a large majority according to some. Happily, the situation is not...
What Are The Penalties for Making Hoax Calls To Police?
Making prank emergency calls to police is a criminal offence. Although it may seem like a harmless prank, making a hoax call can lead to heavy fines and a prison sentence of up to three years. Fake calls to police...
