Does Material Fact Law Need an Overhaul?
If you are selling a property which has previously been the site of a murder, according to the law you need to inform potential buyers of the property’s history. This is known as material fact law, and it is in...
How Can You Defend Someone You Know is Guilty?
How can you defend someone you know is guilty? Anyone who has practised criminal law is sure to have heard this question at least once. Some people think that a criminal defence lawyer’s job is to free murderers, sexual offenders...
Can I Change My Plea? Reversing Laws NSW
If you are charged with a criminal offence, you will be required to indicate a plea where you state that you either accept the charges (guilty) or you wish to defend yourself against them (not guilty). A plea is usually...
DPP v Mathews-Hunter
Although police powers have been increasing in legislation, the judges are still firmly upholding fundamental common law rights in the courtroom. Just ask Mathews-Hunter, an eighteen year old who was recently in front of the NSW Supreme Court, after being...
Do NSW Police Need More Legal Training?
Anyone wanting to become a police officer in NSW needs to complete an undergraduate degree in policing and undertake specialised training at the police academy, which is designed to equip new recruits with the skills they need to deal with...
What is the Penalty for Insurance Fraud in NSW?
Insurance fraud is a continuing problem across Australia, costing billions of dollars each year, and forcing up the price of premiums for everyone. Insurance fraud is a criminal offence, and the penalty for insurance fraud in NSW can be harsh,...
Unacceptable Risk in Bail Laws: What Does it Mean?
Under the new NSW Bail Act, it is up to the bail authority to determine whether a defendant poses an unacceptable risk to the community if they are released on bail pending their court date. A bail authority can be...
Costs can be Achieved in Criminal Cases
Going to court can be expensive, however if you win, there are occasions when you may be awarded costs, which means that the prosecution has to cover some or all of your costs which may include legal fees or witness expenses....
Can I Get A Pro Bono Criminal Barrister in Australia?
If you need legal assistance and are struggling to meet the cost of a lawyer, there are a few options available to you. You can apply for Legal Aid depending on whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria. If...
Sale of E-Cigarettes Declared Illegal in WA
Western Australia is the first state in the country to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, even though it is still legal to sell and purchase ordinary tobacco products. In a recent landmark ruling, Perth e-cigarette seller Vince Van Heerden was...
