What are the Rules for Strip Searching?
“I removed my clothes one piece at a time as requested. When we had stripped down to our underwear in the street, we were searched. I honestly felt the only way to prevent the search becoming more intrusive or sexual...
Fatal Police Shootings – Is More Weapons Training Needed?
On the 9th of August this year, Darren Wilson, a police officer in the city of Ferguson, Missouri, shot and killed 18-year-old African-American Michael Brown following an altercation on the street. The incident sparked anger and unrest within the community...
With so much Media Attention on Violent Crime: Are Crime Rates in NSW Rising or Falling
Recent figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that most of the main offence types have remained steady or decreased in number throughout the state over the previous three months. There have been a number...
Will Robots Really Replace Lawyers by 2030?
The idea of a robot lawyer may sound like science fiction, but if predictions are to be believed, robotic lawyers may become a reality sooner than we might think. Technology is moving at a rapid pace, and many believe that...
The Expert Must Be Right! Expert Witnesses and the ‘White Coat’ Effect
Expert witnesses are routinely called by both the defence and prosecution in defended hearings and jury trials. They play a valuable role in criminal proceedings by providing professional opinions about particular facts that may be in dispute. Evidence obtained from...
Should ASIO be Monitored to Protect the Community Against the Misuse of it’s New Powers?
The Abbott government’s recent crackdown on terrorism has prompted amendments to national security legislation, giving ASIO broad powers to monitor citizens and rendering them immune from prosecution in certain circumstances. Understandably, the amendments have left many questioning the extent of...
Can Police Listen in When You Talk to your Lawyer?
The relationship between client and lawyer is usually considered to be a confidential one. For a client to feel comfortable talking openly to their lawyer, it’s important that they know nobody else is listening in and that confidential information won’t...
Should Police be allowed to have Visible Tattoos or Piercings?
Many of us have tattoos, piercings or other forms of body art that allow us to express our personal identity and individuality. However, some professions impose strict rules regarding personal presentation and appearance. The New South Wales Police Force, for...
In trouble with the law over the holidays? Getting bail over the silly season
The courts are generally closed over the holiday season. So what happens if you or a loved-one is accused of a serious crime and police refuse to let you out of custody? Will you have to wait until the holidays...
Police Listening to Phone Calls between Lawyers and Clients – The Erosion of Client Legal Privilege
Legal professional privilege, known in NSW as ‘client legal privilege’, has long been accepted as a central tenet of the justice system; providing that communications between lawyers and their clients should be exempt from disclosure. The privilege has been described...
