The Perceived Link Between Islam and Terrorism: Misinformation and Media-Fuelled Hysteria
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “terrorist”? For many, the word ‘terrorist’ conjures up images of balaclava-wearing Muslim extremists carrying assault rifles and flags bearing Arabic writing. It’s a stereotype that has been fostered in part...
Could Fitness Tracking Data be Used as Evidence in Criminal Cases?
Self-tracking fitness devices and apps are becoming increasingly popular. But although they may seem like nothing more than a handy way to improve your personal health, it’s possible they could be used for a more sinister purpose in the not...
What Happens When The Media Wrongly Accuses an Innocent Person?
Most of us know that we can’t always believe what we read in the newspapers, but what happens when reckless reporting harms an innocent person’s reputation? Fairfax Media, the publisher of the Sydney Morning Herald, recently found out how costly...
When The Police Integrity Commission Acts Beyond Its Powers
The Police Integrity Commission (PIC) was established to ensure that NSW police officers and the police force as a whole acts ethically and with integrity. But the watchdog is itself facing criticisms of unethical conduct after it overstepped its powers...
What is Sexual Incitement?
All of us are aware that touching someone sexually without permission is against the law and carries harsh penalties, but you may not realise that encouraging someone else to commit a sexual offence can also lead to criminal charges and...
‘Elastic Heart’, ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’– Is the Sexualisation of Children in the Media Acceptable?
If you’ve been lurking the web lately, you may have seen or heard some of the public backlash against Sia’s controversial new video clip. The 39-year-old Aussie singer, who hails from Adelaide, attracted criticism last week when she released the...
What is Money Laundering? Am I Guilty If I Make an Innocent Mistake?
Unfortunately, innocent people can sometimes be caught up in the unlawful schemes of others. This is particularly true online - where get-rich-quick schemes that promise to make you millions are everywhere. Most of them are of course scams, and some...
Police Pursuit Legislation and High Speed Chases
Police pursuits have been a matter of public debate for some years and the issue has recently been reignited after the tragic death of a 17-month-old girl in Sydney’s west when a police chase ended up going through the toddler’s...
Alan Jones Loses Nine Year Battle Over Racist Comments
Very few people can polarise people the way that Alan Jones can. He has a loyal following of conservative AM listeners but has also attracted criticism for some of his controversial comments and opinions. Alan Jones has recently been defeated...
What Is Malicious Damage Law?
Malicious damage is the most widely reported category of criminal offences in NSW, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology. Malicious damage incorporates a wide range of different activities, including intentional/reckless damage or destruction of property, graffiti and vandalism. Even...
