Is it Better to Have a Jury Trial or a Judge-Alone Trial?
If you are facing a criminal matter in the district or supreme court, you will most often be tried in front of a jury. A jury is made up of a panel of 12 people who are randomly selected members...
What Can You Do if You Have Been Unlawfully Arrested?
Wrongful arrest cases have been in the media recently, with a number of individuals and groups seeking compensation for being unlawfully detained or injured during the arrest. Being arrested can be a highly upsetting and stressful experience, which can be...
Do Mandatory Sentences Work?
The issue of mandatory sentencing has been in the media recently, with NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announcing the proposed introduction of mandatory sentencing laws for alcohol-fueled one-punch attacks. Under the proposed new laws, defendants found guilty of fatal offences involving...
Is Racial Profiling A Problem for NSW Police?
The police force is intended to be an impartial and unbiased organisation, but there are allegations that racism is alive and well within police ranks in the form of racial profiling. While police authorities in NSW deny that racial profiling...
What Happens if You Are Declared a NSW Habitual Traffic Offender?
Being convicted of a traffic offence can lead to a number of penalties, including disqualification from driving and heavy fines. If you are guilty of of three or more major traffic offences within a five-year period, you will be declared...
MRRC Suicide Risk: What to do if you Suspect an Inmate isn’t Coping
Do you have a loved one at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) at Silverwater? It can be stressful to have a friend or family member in prison, and the experience can be particularly distressing if you are concerned...
How Police are Making Use of Smartphones to Combat Crime
Smartphones are everywhere and recent technological developments have led to speculation that police may start using smartphones in a number of different ways to help make arrests. Smartphone apps that allow the public to help find suspects and report minor...
What Constitutes Unlawful Arrest?
Contrary to popular belief, police officers aren’t legally allowed to go around arresting whomever they want, whenever they want, and in any manner they like. There are a number of rules and regulations that the police have to abide by,...
Should We Bring Back the Death Penalty?
The death penalty is a controversial issue the world over. Globally, human rights organisations campaign to put an end to execution as a form of punishment, while some countries maintain that the death penalty is necessary, and has a valid...
Do Lawyers Work As Hard for Legal Aid Clients as Private Clients?
Legal Aid is a government-run organisation that offers financial assistance to people who need legal help, but may not be able to afford to pay a private lawyer. Legal Aid is means tested and if assistance is granted, usually pays...
