Would You Want a Digital Driver Licence?
With two-thirds of Australians owning a smart phone and over a million ‘apps’ available online, technology is certainly playing an increasing part in our lives. And with your phone having the capacity to make online transactions and PayPass purchases in...
Do Criminal Cases Take Too Long?
It’s no secret that court processes are often lengthy and expensive, and if you wish to plead ‘not guilty’ to a criminal offence it can be many months or even a year or two before your matter is set down...
Should Prisoners be Forced to Speak English?
NSW Attorney General Brad Hazzard has announced new restrictions for a number of prisoners in NSW who are considered to be high risk due to their alleged links with terrorism. These restrictions mean that the inmates are no longer allowed...
Should Police Be Allowed to Doorknock for DNA?
Imagine this: you hear a knock at the door and you go to open it. You see two police officers, who ask you for a DNA sample. They say that you can refuse, in which case they will just get...
Should defendants have the right to silence in court?
You’ve probably heard that you have a right to silence when arrested or asked to participate in a police interview. And if you’ve been following our blogs, you’ll know that your right to silence has recently been watered-down by legislation....
How Does the National DNA Database Work?
With technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, DNA evidence is being relied on in more criminal cases than ever before. But the idea of taking DNA evidence and using it to solve crimes has led to controversy and raised some interesting debate...
Laws Against Motorcycle Club Members – Necessary or Just for Votes?
In the latest round of his crackdown on members of motorcycle clubs, NSW Premier Mike Baird has promised a new package of laws to complement existing “consorting laws” and further restrict communications between club members. Under the proposals, police will...
Should Controversial Dating Website be Shut Down?
An international dating website that matches wealthy older men to younger women could be breaching sex work laws, according to police. The SeekingArrangement website claims to be a dating website that encourages people to meet for dating, but members say...
Woman Avoids Prison after Killing Abusive Partner: Fair?
Jessica Silva had ended her abusive relationship of four years, over which time her partner, James Polkinghorne, had repeatedly tormented her. She did not report the abuse to police because she was too scared, and she didn’t think police could...
Is ICAC Getting Too Big for Its Boots?
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is responsible for investigating allegations of corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector. The ICAC has undertaken a number of high-profile investigations in recent times, including the allegations of corruption surrounding Eddie Obeid and...
