Companion Animals Act and Nuisance Animals
Australia is a nation of dog lovers and owning a dog can be extremely enjoyable and rewarding and is a part of life for many families. The household pet is often like another member of the family, but what happens...
Drink Driving: What is the Difference between PCA and DUI?
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance is a criminal offence in Australia. If you are caught driving or in charge of a motor vehicle after consuming a certain amount of alcohol, or another intoxicating...
Is it Better to Have a Jury Trial or a Judge-Alone Trial?
If you are facing a criminal matter in the district or supreme court, you will most often be tried in front of a jury. A jury is made up of a panel of 12 people who are randomly selected members...
What Can You Do if You Have Been Unlawfully Arrested?
Wrongful arrest cases have been in the media recently, with a number of individuals and groups seeking compensation for being unlawfully detained or injured during the arrest. Being arrested can be a highly upsetting and stressful experience, which can be...
Do Mandatory Sentences Work?
The issue of mandatory sentencing has been in the media recently, with NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announcing the proposed introduction of mandatory sentencing laws for alcohol-fueled one-punch attacks. Under the proposed new laws, defendants found guilty of fatal offences involving...
Is Racial Profiling A Problem for NSW Police?
The police force is intended to be an impartial and unbiased organisation, but there are allegations that racism is alive and well within police ranks in the form of racial profiling. While police authorities in NSW deny that racial profiling...
What Happens if You Are Declared a NSW Habitual Traffic Offender?
Being convicted of a traffic offence can lead to a number of penalties, including disqualification from driving and heavy fines. If you are guilty of of three or more major traffic offences within a five-year period, you will be declared...
MRRC Suicide Risk: What to do if you Suspect an Inmate isn’t Coping
Do you have a loved one at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) at Silverwater? It can be stressful to have a friend or family member in prison, and the experience can be particularly distressing if you are concerned...
How Police are Making Use of Smartphones to Combat Crime
Smartphones are everywhere and recent technological developments have led to speculation that police may start using smartphones in a number of different ways to help make arrests. Smartphone apps that allow the public to help find suspects and report minor...
What Constitutes Unlawful Arrest?
Contrary to popular belief, police officers aren’t legally allowed to go around arresting whomever they want, whenever they want, and in any manner they like. There are a number of rules and regulations that the police have to abide by,...
