How Have Changes to the Bail Act Affected Remand Numbers?
The new Bail Act, which came into effect in May this year, has had a significant impact on the number of defendants being granted bail. Although the Bail Act has been controversial, with requests for it to be reviewed only...
Is a Cautioning Scheme for Summary Offences in NSW Needed?
The criminal justice system is under a great deal of pressure. Alleviating some of the strain would allow police and other law enforcement agencies to focus on serious crime, without clogging up the system with minor offences. Over the years,...
Are unpaid legal internships against the law?
Across the board, many students feel the pain involved in finding relevant work experience to help them secure a graduate position. Youth unemployment is currently at higher levels than it has been for decades, which means competition for the remaining...
Public’s Perception of Sentencing
How much confidence do we have in the criminal justice system as a whole? If you read what is often published in the media after high-profile cases are finalised, it would be easy to believe that the courts are far...
Mandatory Sentencing in the NT – Perpetuating Injustice
Imagine serving time in prison for murder - even when you weren’t present at the scene of the crime. It might reek of injustice, but for Zak Grieve, this is his reality. The 19 year old Katherine man was convicted...
Is an Unbiased Jury Ever Truly Possible?
In Australia, jury trials are one of the mainstays of the criminal justice system. In a jury trial, a defendant’s guilt or innocence is decided by a panel of 12 members of the public who are expected to be impartial,...
Developments in the case of Freya Newman: A Need for Better Whistleblower Protections?
Earlier this year, 21 year old Freya Newman, an employee at the Whitehouse Institute of Design, was charged with accessing restricted data after she exposed the Institute’s grant of an allegedly secret $60,000 scholarship to the Prime Minister’s daughter, Tony...
Debunking Common Myths About Speed Cameras
Most motorists dread speed cameras. Being caught speeding can lead to hefty fines and even suspension from driving, which can leave you struggling to carry out your everyday activities like going to work or doing the grocery shopping. And with...
Validity of Anti-Biker Laws Upheld by the High Court
The High Court recently dismissed a challenge to the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act, upholding its validity. The decision is the latest in a long running saga between the United Motorcycle Council and State governments. Governments have passed various pieces...
Can I Avoid a Conviction and Licence Disqualification if I am Guilty of a second or more Major Traffic Offence?
Section 10 dismissal or conditional release order of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) is a way to avoid a criminal conviction and, in driving cases, a licence disqualification and fine. The section may apply if you plead guilty,...
