How Long Can Police Keep an Arrested Person in Custody?
The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (the LEPRA) sets out police powers in New South Wales as well as many of the rules officers are required to follow when exercising those powers. Can police arrest me without a...
Rather His Own Man: An Interview with Geoffrey Robertson QC
Human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson has had an illustrious career. The Australian-born lawyer has been a tireless defender of civil rights, with a particular focus on protecting freedom of speech and expression. In 1989, he successfully defended author Salman Rushdie against...
Sexual Assault Complaints in New South Wales
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, the thought of reporting it to police can be exceptionally traumatic. But it’s important to know that police officers are meant to treat complainants with dignity and respect, and to let...
Arresting Drivers for Using Cold and Flu Tablets Will Not Save Lives
NSW roads minister Melinda Pavey has announced there will be an expansion of substances that can ‘influence’ drivers for the purpose of laws against driving under the influence (DUI). She has also announced a strategy designed to assess whether individuals...
Defendants in Domestic Violence Cases Prohibited from Questioning Complainants
Currently, self-represented litigants in the Family Court are permitted to cross-examine opponents, even in circumstances where there has been an allegation of domestic violence. However, the Turnbull government has drafted laws aimed at stopping this. Australian attorney general Christian Porter...
What is the Offence of Perjury in New South Wales?
Perjury can be generally defined as knowingly telling an untruth during judicial proceedings when under a legal obligation to be honest. It was a common law offence in New South Wales until abolished by section 341 of the Crimes Act...
Public Justice Offences: Protecting the Integrity of the Criminal Justice System
Federal prosecutors in the United States recently accused president Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, of tampering with potential witnesses whilst on bail. Prosecutors directed by special counsel, Robert Muller, allege Mr Manafort and an associate repeatedly attempted to...
Cats and Dogs May Soon be Treated with Medicinal Cannabis
An Australian company is undertaking ground breaking research to determine whether medicinal cannabis products could be used to treat medical conditions in family pets. After a successful trial on dogs, CannPal is now expanding its testing to our furry feline...
Lawyer Who Showed His Testicles to Client is Struck Off
Back in 2012, Mr and Mrs H retained Boulevarde Lawyers in the lakeside suburb of Toronto in Lake Macquarie to prepare documents and find them legal representation in Vanuatu in relation to the sale of drilling machines. The sole principal...
A Wellness Guide for Lawyers: An Interview with Author Jerome Doraisamy
The 2007 Beaton Consulting and beyondblue national depression initiative revealed depression amongst legal professionals had reached alarming levels. When compared with other professionals, lawyers were found to have experienced the highest levels of depressive symptoms. Indeed, studies have found that one...
