The Bias in the Native Title System: An Interview with Barrister Tony McAvoy SC
Recent comments made by native title barrister Tony McAvoy SC regarding flaws in the native title system have caused quite a stir. As reported in the Guardian, the lawyer said that the system “embeds racism,” and contravenes the UN Declaration...
New Zealand Denounces Dutton’s Kiwi Deportation Program
New Zealand justice minister Andrew Little has condemned Australia’s deportation program, as “nebulous” and “airy fairy.” This is the policy that has seen an increasing number of Kiwis being sent to New Zealand for petty crimes, often after living the majority...
Calls to Close Display of Corpses in Sydney
Currently, there are 20 human corpses being exhibited in Sydney. This is despite widespread calls for the exhibition to be shut down because the human bodies are on display without the confirmed consent of the deceased and they’re also suspected...
Is the NSW Government Complicit in Animal Cruelty?
Two years ago, the NSW government promised to ban the greyhound racing industry after revelations emerged of appalling, systemic cruelty by trainers across the state, including live-baiting, mass killings and widespread mistreatment. The government later did “the mother of all...
What to Do if Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault?
High-profile cases such as the trial of Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes, the investigation of Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and comedian Bill Cosby, and the prosecution of Australian entertainer Rolf Harris, along with the rise of the #metoo movement,...
Can I Change My Plea from Guilty to Not Guilty?
Defendants who are charged with criminal offences are often unsure as to how they should plead. This uncertainty may arise as a result of not fully understanding the essential elements (or ingredients) of the charges they are facing. They may...
NSW Police Officer May Face Criminal Charges Over Brutal Assault
The Byron Bay police officer who struck a naked teenager 18 times with his baton during a violent arrest could lose his job and potentially face assault charges over the incident. In his closing submission at the second of two...
Convicted Catholic Archbishop Resigns
The most senior Catholic in the world to be convicted of concealing a serious indictable offence has resigned amid intense public pressure. 67-year old Adelaide Archbishop Phillip Wilson stepped-down from his position yesterday, more than two months after being found...
How Long Can Police Keep an Arrested Person in Custody?
The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (the LEPRA) sets out police powers in New South Wales as well as many of the rules officers are required to follow when exercising those powers. Can police arrest me without a...
Rather His Own Man: An Interview with Geoffrey Robertson QC
Human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson has had an illustrious career. The Australian-born lawyer has been a tireless defender of civil rights, with a particular focus on protecting freedom of speech and expression. In 1989, he successfully defended author Salman Rushdie against...
