Undercover Police Operations: How Far Can Police Go to Investigate Crime?
The portrayal of undercover police operations in movies and on TV may leave audiences with the perception that they are thrilling, secretive operations – full of tension, action and drama. But just how far can undercover police go to gain...
Private Policing – How would you feel about bouncers performing arrests and issuing fines?
We published a blog last year about private prisons in Australia, and whether they may be seen to encourage reoffending. Many feel that because private companies such as Serco provide a service in exchange for economic gain, there is an...
Two Lawyers knew Convicted Murderer was Innocent: Why didn’t they Speak Out?
Imagine this: the fate of an innocent person is in your hands - but your professional obligations prevent you from speaking out. One survey of Australian criminal lawyers found that 75% have regularly lain awake worrying about ethical issues connected...
NSW Prisons Soon to Be Smoke Free
Did you know that nearly 80% of NSW prison inmates smoke? In contrast, about 18% of the general population smokes. Smoking is increasingly being squeezed out of more and more public and private places, and prisons are next. Prison inmates...
Should Local Terrorism Victims Be Compensated?
Australians who have fallen victim to acts of terrorism overseas are entitled to compensation from the federal government, while those who are victims of attacks on home soil are not, an anomaly which has led to calls for the federal...
What Evidence Do Police Look For at a Serious Traffic Crash?
Being involved in a serious traffic accident can be traumatic, especially if someone is injured or killed as a result. Finding yourself facing criminal charges as a result can turn an already distressing situation into a far more difficult one...
Should the Media be More Accountable for False Reporting?
Most people know that you can’t believe everything you hear or read in the media. As well as making factual errors that later have to be corrected, inaccurate media reporting can feed biases and escalate even minor situations far out...
New Penalties for High Range Drink Driving are Nearly Here
Has someone you know been charged with drink driving? If so, they may be familiar with how drink driving cases are dealt with in court. However, they may not be aware that law relating to drink driving are about to...
Penalties for Fraud and Deception Offences: Recent Case Studies
Deception offences cover a broad range of criminal offences that can be committed against the Commonwealth or against individuals. Penalties for deception offences can vary considerably, depending on a number of different factors. Deception and fraud are two offences that...
Wrongful Convictions in Australia: Less Likely to be Overturned than Other Countries
Although Australia is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in the world, and has a sophisticated criminal justice system, an Innocence Project lawyer has highlighted a number of deficiencies in the way that the Australian legal system...