A History of Sexual Consent Laws in Australia
Throughout history, sexual consent laws have historically been intrinsically linked with child sexual abuse laws. In recent years, following the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse and the high profile sexual assault trial of Saxon Mullins, both sexual consent and child...
The Rules Relating to Police Interviews in New South Wales
Being asked to attend a police interview can be daunting. It can raise questions like: Do I have to participate? Should I participate? Will participating make it more or less likely that I’ll be charged? What can and can’t I...
Can Obtaining Another’s Consent Be Used as a Murder Defence?
Just a few weeks short of Halloween in 1996, 35-year-old Sharon Lopatka left her home in Maryland USA, leaving her husband a note which simply read: If my body is never retrieved, don’t worry: know that I’m at peace Lopatka...
The Offence of Failing to Vote at an Australian Election or Referendum
On the 14th of October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’. Voters...
The Law, Defences and Penalties for Drug Premises Offences in New South Wales
Along with New South Wales drug offences against the unlawful use, possession and supply of prohibited drugs and plants (including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis), there are also unique offences which apply to illicit drug premises. Here’s what landlords and...
Bipartisan Persecution of McBride and Boyle Continues
Independent for Clark Andrew Wilkie raised a motion in the Australian House of Representatives on 6 September, calling on the government to use the power it has to “discontinue the politically-motivated prosecutions” of whistleblowers David McBride and Richard Boyle. Heralded as...
Criminal Offences Relating to Counterfeiting in New South Wales
Money makes the world go round, so it’s no surprise that some individuals are tempted to pass off ‘counterfeit’ (fake) paper money, coins or securities for their own benefit. In many cases, passing off counterfeit money as real would amount...
Sydney Criminal Lawyers® Weekly Rundown – Articles from 4 to 10 September 2023
In case you’ve missed any of them, here’s a rundown of the past week’s articles: Your Guide To New South Wales MDMA (‘Ecstacy’) Laws A summary of offences relating to the possession, supply, manufacture and importation of ‘ecstacy’, as well...
Offences Relating to Underage Drinking in New South Wales
It’s not uncommon for Australians to have their first drop of alcohol whilst under the age of 18 years old. However, many young people (and their parents) aren’t aware of the potential criminal consequences that could apply to situations of...
Criminal Offences Relating to the Use of False Information to Take a Flight
If a friend or family member has booked a flight but can no longer go, could you use their ticket and take the trip instead? The short answer is, only if the ticket is changed by legitimate means into your...
