The New Mental Health Regime in the NSW Criminal Courts
The Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) (the New Act) came into effect on the 27 March 2021. Passed last June, the New Act replaces the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW) (the Old Act)...
How to Write a Character Reference for Court
When someone close to you is pleading guilty to a criminal or traffic charge, the magistrate is permitted to take into account his or her character. In fact, evidence of good character – as well as any steps taken to...
What’s the difference between a ‘surety’ and ‘security’ in a NSW Bail Application?
The mainstream media often uses the term ‘surety’ to denote money or other valuable property provided to guarantee a person’s bail.
Will My Case be Dismissed if the Alleged Victim Fails to Attend Court?
A question criminal defence lawyers are often asked is, will my criminal charges be thrown out of court if the complainant (also known as the ‘alleged victim’) fails to turn up to the defended hearing? Answering this question can raise...
Lawyers for Bail Applications at Parramatta Bail Court
Bail is a promise to attend court on the next court date. It can be unconditional, or come with conditions such as reporting to a police station on specific days, not associating with certain persons or attending certain places, and...
What Happens if a Jury Cannot Reach a Unanimous Verdict in NSW?
A jury of 11 will recommence deliberations in Downing Centre District Court today, after returning not guilty verdicts for five out of 26 criminal charges during deliberations after the trial of former Sydney swimming coach Kyle Daniels. Mr Daniels pleaded...
When Can a Jury Be Discharged in New South Wales?
The trial of a 22 year old Sydney swimming instructor will now be forced to restart, after the jury was discharged by NSW District Court Judge Kara Shead, on the second day of trial. The jury had been assembled this...
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Australia?
According to figures released by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on 17 July 2020, being a lawyer is not among the top earning jobs in Australia. If that surprises you, then consider this – lawyers don’t even make the top...
Black Lives Matter at Long Bay Prison: Justice Action’s Brett Collins on the Prison Crackdown
Just days after Black Lives Matter protests swept the nation, reigniting the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody movement in this country, reports started emerging that a similar demonstration was taking place inside Sydney’s Long Bay Gaol. Indeed, aerial footage shows inmates...
COVID-19 Prison Lockdowns Lead to Riots
Tensions are running high in prison systems across not just Australia but other parts of the world during COVID-19. Without access visits from family and friends, and even lawyers, inmates are becoming frustrated and angry which is leading to a...
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