The Reliability of Confessions in the Daniel Morcombe Case
The highly publicised trial of child sex offender Brett Peter Cowan for the murder of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe has cast a spotlight on a number of different legal issues, including the reliability of confessions. Cowan was earlier this month convicted...
Recent Changes to Police Powers in NSW
A bill giving NSW police increased powers to arrest people without a warrant has been signed off. The changes were introduced to NSW Parliament late last year, in a bill known as the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Arrest without...
What Sort of Information is on the NSW Paedophile Register?
If someone is convicted of a sexual offence against a person under the age of 18, they are usually required to list their details on the NSW Child Sex Offenders Register. In NSW, as in all states except for Tasmania, sex...
What is Hearsay Evidence?
Hearsay is one of the most difficult and commonly misunderstood areas of evidence. Many lawyers struggle to grasp the concept of hearsay and many magistrates struggle to apply it correctly. This blog attempts to explain the laws of hearsay as...
Can Evidence That is Recorded Illegally be Used in Court?
This is a complex area of law as it largely depends on who wants the recording as evidence in court, how it was illegally obtained, for what purposes the recording is being admitted as evidence in court and its importance...
What Does the Law say About Filming Someone Without Their Consent?
The law regarding filming or videoing another individual is complex. Whether consent is required to film another person depends on who is filming, what is being filmed, where it is being filmed, and for what purpose. There are various state...
Why Choose a Specialist Appeal Lawyer?
If you have been convicted of a crime that you didn’t commit or you have been given an overly harsh sentence, you have the right to appeal to a higher court. Generally, you only get one chance to make an...
What Can I Expect if Police Arrive With a Search Warrant?
It can be distressing to be the subject of a police investigation or search, particularly if it takes place in your home. Although police have certain powers to stop and search you or your property without a warrant, if they...
What is the Difference Between a Home Detention Order and an Intensive Correction Order?
If you are facing criminal charges and the likelihood of a prison sentence, the judge or magistrate presiding over your case has, in some cases, the power to allow you serve your sentence at home rather than in jail. Instead...
Is Cyber Bullying Legislation in NSW Sufficient?
Cyber bullying has been in the spotlight in NSW recently after the death of television personality Charlotte Dawson. Dawson was a well-known campaigner against cyber bullying, and had been on the receiving end of harassment via social media platforms such as Twitter....
