Proposed Anti-Terrorism Laws Causing Concern
There is growing speculation that Prime Minister Tony Abbott is considering new anti-terrorism measures to apply to those returning to Australia after spending time in Iraq or Syria. This is due to the risk of Australians returning home after fighting...
What are the Police Powers in NSW in Relation to Move On Powers?
When can police move me on from a public place? Police can’t move you on from a public place with out a reason. According to section 197 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act NSW, they can only direct...
Social Media Posts – Be Careful and Expect Criticism!
We love hearing people’s views. It’s so important that everyone is allowed to express genuine opinions in our great country – regardless of whether or not we agree with them! And we love feedback, positive or negative, as long as...
Should Cannabis Be Decriminalised for Medical Use?
Cannabis is currently a prohibited drug in all Australian jurisdictions, which has implications for people wanting to use the drug for medical reasons. Although the decriminalisation of cannabis for medical use has been debated on and off over the years,...
When can Police Suspend my Licence on the Spot?
Sometimes police can suspend your driver’s licence on the spot if they allege you have committed a serious traffic offence. They can do this immediately after you have been pulled-over, or within 48 hours afterwards. Driving licence suspension notices take...
What is the Law on Child Sex Tourism?
In general, a government makes laws about conduct within its own territory but on some occasions, these laws can extend beyond borders. While the laws of the states and territories govern sexual offences committed within Australia, child sex tourism is...
What Is Juror Bias and How Can It Be Prevented?
According to the Australian legal system, if you are on trial for a crime, you will either be tried by a judge alone or by a judge and jury. Many people believe that having a jury trial helps guarantee the...
What are Unlawful Deportations as a War Crime?
There are a number of criminal activities and offences which are recognised internationally as well as in Australia. Many of these are crimes under both Commonwealth law and international laws due to their severity, or through international agreements that different...
What Happens During an Identification Parade?
According to the Australian Law Reform Commission, identification parades are still the most reliable form of eyewitness identification. They are used when a witness who allegedly saw the suspect is asked to identify him or her from amongst a group...
Does Forum Sentencing Really Work?
As of July 25, new changes to forum sentencing have been implemented all around NSW. These changes aim to make forum sentencing more effective. Forum sentencing is an alternative way of dealing with adult offenders aged between 18 and 24....