What are the Penalties in Sydney for Street Racing?
In recent years, a number of new offences have been added to the Vehicle Sanctions Scheme in an attempt to reduce the amount of hoon behaviour that takes place on the roads in Sydney. Street racing is considered one of these offences,...
What are the Wider Effects of a Criminal Conviction?
Having a criminal conviction on your record can have lasting consequences. Not all convictions are for serious offences, yet a conviction can still end up being a nuisance for years into the future. For example, you might have a conviction...
How Much Weight is the Evidence of Child Witnesses Given in Court?
Evidence of children testifying in courts has been a topic where the law has changed substantially over time - the ongoing debate about how much weight (if any) can be placed on the evidence of children is unsettled by public...
What are Special Circumstances?
Under s44 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, prior to sentencing a person to a jail term of more than 6 months, a ‘non-parole period’ must be set by the court unless there are sufficient reasons not to set one at...
When is it in the Public Interest to Lay Criminal Charges?
The recent public fistfight between casino billionaire James Packer and media heavyweight David Gyngell raises an interesting issue of whether police should still investigate an incident and lay charges if the people involved don’t want to take the matter further....
The Innocence Project Australia
Over the past few decades the Innocence Project has highlighted problems in the justice system in the US, which can allow for wrongful convictions. One American man, (although not acquitted with the Innocence Project) Jonathon Fleming, spent 25 years in...
Advantages Of The Jury System: Should We Keep Jury Trials?
Homer Simpson: “Getting out of jury duty is easy. The trick is to say you’re prejudiced against all races” Today most people see jury duty as a hassle, and to be avoided if at all possible. Historically, the right to...
Getting a DUI Dismissed if Diagnosed with Depression
If you have been diagnosed with a mental condition like depression, you may be able to have criminal charges against you dismissed under a Section 32 order. Section 32 is a provision of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act which allows...
Do I Need a Traffic Lawyer?
Traffic matters can range from a speeding ticket right up to very serious offences like dangerous driving occasioning death. While many of us may have got caught by a red light or speed camera, when it comes to contesting a...
Terrorism and the Right to a Fair Trial
Earlier this year, Attorney-General George Brandis has been urged to consider new terrorism legislation. Since 2001, Parliament has seen the introduction of over 50 pieces of legislation relating to terrorism. But many of the new laws have run contrary to...
