92 Charged with Drug Offences at Splendour in the Grass
Another year, another Splendour - and for the 30,000 music lovers who donned gumboots and braved the copious amounts of mud and rain, the event was a great success, with artists such as Tame Impala, Florence and the Machine, Mark...
NRL’s Fifita Brothers in Hot Water
Footy players are increasingly in the media for their behaviour off-the-field, and not just their contributions to schools and the community. Cronulla players Andrew and David Fifita are under investigation after a weekend game where it is alleged that they...
The Government Validates ICACs Past Decisions: But the Fight is On!
ICAC was disappointed and concerned when the High Court ruled that it did not have the power to investigate lawyer Margaret Cunneen. Ms Cunneen had been accused of perverting the course of justice for allegedly telling her son’s girlfriend to...
Amber Heard Faces Criminal Charges for Bringing Depp’s Dogs to Australia
A few months ago, Johnny Depp and his dogs made headlines when it was revealed that the dogs had actually entered the country illegally. Under the Quarantine Act 1908, anyone wanting to bring animals into Australia must have an import...
The Most Commonly Cited Case in Australia
Many cases that are decided in the higher courts become ‘precedents’, forming part of Australia’s common law. Where relevant, judges and magistrates are required take these previous decisions into account when deciding later cases. But with thousands of cases going...
Do We Need a Body to Review Dodgy Convictions?
You know you’re innocent - but can’t afford to pay for an appeal, or you’ve lost your appeal after spending everything you have on lawyers. What next? Sadly, your options are limited in Australia - and you will probably have...
Obama Frees Drug Offenders: Is Clemency Ever Justified?
In what has been hailed a remarkable act of mercy, President Obama last week used his power to order the release of 46 inmates who were serving sentences for non-violent drug offences. The move came as part of Obama’s promise...
Freedom of Information Laws Under Threat
Freedom of information laws (FOI) give individuals the ability to access various documents held by government agencies - subject to exceptions. What does the legislation say? FOI is governed in NSW by the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. Section...
Help, I Want to Work! Getting a Job After Prison
Imagine going to interview after interview, many of which seemed to be going well until you were asked about your criminal record. The reality is that many who have spent time behind bars struggle to find a job, despite having...
Overturning a Jury Verdict: The Case of M v The Queen
For centuries, juries have played an important role in criminal trials, scrutinising all the evidence that is presented by both sides before attempting to reach a unanimous verdict. But is a jury’s verdict always the end of the matter -...
