How Should We Deal With the Rising Prison Population?
A report released last week shows that the NSW prison population is at a record high, with many prisons significantly overcrowded. And it seems that the problem will only worsen as the impact of the new amendments to the Bail...
Should Greyhound Racing be Banned?
Earlier this week, ABC’s Four Corners exposed the grisly reality of greyhound racing - a sport which attracts $1 billion in bets annually and helps fill the government’s coffers. Shockingly, live animals are being used as bait in a number...
Should it be compulsory to report animal cruelty?
You may have heard that the greyhound racing industry is in damage control after reports that many of its members have engaged in systematic animal cruelty, including physically abusing dogs and feeding live animals to them, which is known as...
Should a person ever be sterilised against their will?
If someone has an intellectual disability and could not take care of children, would it ever be justified to order their sterilisation? It’s a question that poses an ethical and moral dilemma; requiring a careful consideration of several competing interests....
Are Proceeds of Crime Laws Unfair?
We have penned a number of blogs over the years about proceeds of crime laws and the applicable penalties. Under section 193C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), it is a criminal offence to possess or deal with property that...
Why are there ‘home-grown’ terrorists?
It was reported last week that a potential terrorist attack in Sydney was averted just hours before it was scheduled to occur. The suspects were allegedly apprehended just hours after purchasing a hunting knife and filming a video of their...
Police Ignorance of the Law – Should They Have More Legal Training?
Police are supposed to uphold and maintain the law, but a recent court case shows that in some instances, officers do not even understand the charges that they are pressing against members of the public. The misapplication of criminal charges...
Should we cancel the passports of suspected terrorists?
In the wake of terrorist attacks such as the Sydney siege and the Charlie Hebdo shootings, national leaders have proposed various means of dealing with those who are suspected of terrorism. While criminal law imposes heavy penalties for terrorism, politicians...
Should welfare recipients lose their benefits if they test positive to drugs?
In recent years, the suggestion that those on, or applying for, welfare benefits should be forced to undergo drug testing has gained popularity several Western nations. More than that, it has actually been implemented in some countries including New Zealand...
Should lie detectors be used in Australia?
The law says that the prosecution must prove a case beyond reasonable doubt in order for a person to be found guilty of a criminal offence. But in reality, many cases are decided upon whichever party comes across as credible...
