Keeping Up With Changing Morals: The Role of Law Reform Commissions in Australia
Social values are constantly changing, so it’s only natural that laws should adapt to reflect contemporary values. But have you ever wondered who is responsible for initiating law reform? Of course, the parliament enacts and abolishes laws. But in Australia,...
Parker Warnings, Double Counting and the De Simoni Principles – Know The Law
Sentencing is a challenging exercise which tests the skills of even the most experienced criminal lawyers, magistrates and judges. And when courts are too heavy-handed, an appeal may be the best way to set things straight. The following outlines three...
Wealthy Australians Could Face Tax Evasion Penalties
A number of well-off Australians could face tax evasion penalties in the near future as the ATO has pledged to crack down on wealthy tax dodgers. The ATO is threatening heavy penalties to those who are found to owe substantial...
Assaults by Police – Are Many Officers Charged?
The police are supposed to be responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of the public, but sometimes the opposite can be true. There have been a number of police charged with assault this year, against members of the public...
Should Young Offenders Be Sent To Boot Camps?
If authorities said that your child was on the path to becoming a criminal, would you consider putting them in a boot camp to address their behaviour? How would you feel if you had no say in the matter? It...
Sex By Deception – Is Lying To Get Sex Considered A Crime In NSW?
Let’s say a man pretends to be very independent, wealthy and successful in order to seduce a woman into bed – should he be guilty of an offence if he is really unemployed and lives with his mum? Or how...
Justice Reinvestment: Tackling The Problems Behind Offending
There has been a doubling of inmates in prison over the past 30 years, with Indigenous and young people being amongst the groups most affected by the constant move towards punitive measures. But the prison system has attracted a lot...
Can I Become A Lawyer With A Criminal Record?
In many ways the legal system depends on the honesty and ethics of legal practitioners, so it makes sense that there are restrictions on the people who can apply. To be admitted as a lawyer, you must be a person...
Police Recruits Inadequately Trained to Use Firearms
The police are supposed to keep our streets safer but recent reports have suggested that police recruits are being allowed to work without sufficient training in basic safety procedures and the lawful use of firearms. It has been suggested that...
Arrests Without Paperwork – Efficiency and Safety? Or Further Reducing Accountability and Personal Liberty?
Normally when police officers want to arrest a suspect, they are required to fill out the relevant paperwork and comply with certain regulations. This is no longer the case in the Northern Territory, where laws have been introduced allowing police...
