Father Convicted After Buying Gifts For His Son
Australia has perhaps the strictest quarantine laws in the world. We even have the TV show Border Security, where we can watch people get into trouble for infringing them. The long list of things that are not allowed into the...
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...
Police Search Powers Under a Firearms Prohibition Order in NSW
A recent amendment to the Firearms Prohibition Order in NSW has given police increased powers to search for and confiscate illegal firearms. The Firearms Amendment (Prohibition Orders) Bill was implemented in November 2013 in a bid to deter bikies and other criminal gang...
What are the Wider Effects of a Criminal Conviction?
Having a criminal conviction on your record can have lasting consequences. Not all convictions are for serious offences, yet a conviction can still end up being a nuisance for years into the future. For example, you might have a conviction...
When Small Matters Turn Into Large Legal Problems
Two recent incidents have cast a spotlight on how small matters can quickly turn into monumental legal issues. A Queensland man caused a hijacking scare on a flight to Bali on Friday after mistaking the cockpit for the toilet, while...
Is it Legal to Carry Pepper Spray in Australia?
Everyone deserves the right to feel safe. If you walk home from your bus stop after work and the way is poorly lit, or if you live in a dodgy neighbourhood, you may feel that you face a real risk...
Can I Get A Shotgun Licence With Previous Convictions?
If you want to own or use a shotgun in NSW you will need to apply for a firearms licence. The firearms licensing laws in NSW are fairly stringent, and if you want to apply for a licence you will...
Is Crime on the Increase?
If you follow the news, it would appear that crime is an ever-increasing problem, particularly in cities, but how true is this? Is crime really increasing, or could it actually be on a downward trend? The increased coverage of crime...
Police Use of Tasers in the Spotlight
Tasers are weapons that are given to police officers for use only in certain situations. According to the NSW police operating procedures, officers are only meant to use Tasers in situations where they are in immediate danger, or are under...
Is it legal to carry a knife?
There appears to be some confusion about whether a person is allowed to carry a knife in a public place in NSW. Various online forums discuss the issue and reach different conclusions about the circumstances in which a person is...
