The Nanny State: To What Extent Should People Be Protected From Their Own Stupidity?
Australian laws often seem bent at protecting people from themselves and are amongst the most extreme in the world when it comes to ‘nanny states.’ But to what extent should people be protected from their own stupidity? And to what...
Can I Take My Children Overseas without My Partner’s Permission?
If you want to take your children overseas without their other parent, it’s important to understand how the law works, especially if you are separated or getting divorced. There are certain legal protections which are in place to prevent children...
How to Get Sexual Assault Cases Dismissed
Being charged with a sexual assault offence can be very traumatic, and the legal consequences are serious. If you are convicted, you may face a lengthy term in prison and a range of other penalties, including being required to be...
What Does the Law Say About Stolen Dogs in Sydney?
Perhaps professional dognapping is not the first thing that springs to mind if you were to imagine embarking on a life of crime. But stealing people’s pets for financial gain, or for dog baiting is not unheard of, and has...
The Magistrate Refused My Section 14 Mental Health Application – What Now?
If you are charged with a criminal offence and suffer from a mental health impairment or a cognitive impairment, and your case is being dealt with in the Local Court, you may be able to make an application for the...
Sexting: A Social Trend with Serious Consequences
Mobile phones are more than just handy communication tools. Most modern phones come equipped with camera and video capabilities, as well as access to the internet. The use of mobile phone cameras to take and send photos via text has...
Acting as a Support Person at the Police Station
When a person is arrested they have certain rights. If they are under the age of 18 or are considered vulnerable for other reasons such as a disability or intellectual impairment, a person who is under arrest is entitled to...
How do Changing Social Values Affect Criminal Law?
Criminal law is constantly changing and laws are amended, created and repealed on a regular basis. Law reforms often come about due to a number of different factors, including new technology, evolving ideas about justice and what constitutes fair criminal...
Should We Elect Judges?
In the US, judges, like politicians, are frequently elected but Australia follows the model of most common law countries, where judges are chosen by the executive branch of government. You may be familiar with Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio, described by...
Section 234AA: What Happens If You Are Caught In A Restricted Area At The Airport?
Failing to answer police questions could get you into a lot of trouble. On the other hand, what are your rights when it comes to dealing with police? Sometimes the law is complicated and you are walking a fine line...
