The Offence of Aggravated Unlawful Entry on Inclosed Lands in NSW
NSW agriculture minister Adam Marshall announced in a press release on 31 January that the first two people had been charged with the offence aggravated trespass on inclosed lands since the penalties that apply to the crime in relation to...
How Do I Tell My Family I’ve Been Charged With a Crime?
Being charged with a criminal offence can be a stressful experience, and telling your family members and close friends about the accusations can be a daunting task. But it’s important to know that those who are closest to you can...
Police Prosecutors’ Duty of Disclosure in NSW Local Courts
On 28 April 2018, Harley Bradley bit the finger of Katie O’Connor to the extent that it cut to the bone. And on the advice of a community caseworker she subsequently reported the incident, which had led to the need...
What is a Royal Commission in Australia?
The Governor-General of Australia is empowered under the Royal Commissions Act of 1902 (Cth) to establish commissions of inquiry on behalf of the Crown, when there is a particularly important issue of public concern. Typically, Royal Commissions fit two categories:...
Are Cyclists in NSW Required to Wear Helmets?
Remember when you were young and you’d hop on your bicycle, riding carefree to the park, a friend’s house, or anywhere else? Your bike was your trusty companion, taking you from one place to another without a second thought. The...
Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Public Places
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will soon be in full swing, with glitter, tassels and jockstraps flying off shelves like hotcakes as revellers gear up for the fabulous Oxford Street parade on the 29th of February. As with...
Harvey Weinstein Guilty of Rape, Not Guilty of Predatory Sexual Assault
Former Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of sexual charges by a jury in New York. A jury found Mr Weistein guilty of forcing a sexual act on his former production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in July...
Private Criminal Prosecutions in New South Wales
Police told 31-year old Dani* (not her real name) that there was a prima facie case against her former partner for threatening violence, which means there was enough evidence for a magistrate to convict him, but decided not to prosecute...
The Offence of Filming a Private Act Without Consent in NSW
A truck driver has faced Downing Centre Local Court accused of using his mobile phone to film a naked woman while she was showering at the Sydney Morning Herald’s Sydney offices, and film a woman while she was showering. The...
Police Misconduct Is Costing Taxpayers Millions Every Year
New figures show that over the four-year period since 2016, New South Wales Police have paid more than $238 million dollars in in damages payouts to civil litigants who took legal action over police misconduct. When police are successfully sued...
