Victoria Set to Introduce Discrete Criminal Offence of Non-Fatal Strangulation
Victoria is set to strengthen criminal laws against domestic violence by making non-fatal strangulation a discrete offence. The new laws will bring Victoria into line with other states, including New South Wales, the Act and Queensland. The impetus for the...
Can Witchcraft or Fortune Telling Amount to a Crime in NSW?
‘Double, double toil and trouble!’ – the mischievous dealings of cackling witches, flying around on broomsticks and cursing your crops have been a source of moral panic for centuries. It’s not surprising then, that criminal offences against witchcraft have been...
The Legal Defence of ‘Public Interest’ in New South Wales Defamation Cases
Australia’s national broadcaster has been ordered to pay $390,000 plus interest and legal costs after losing a defamation lawsuit brought by a former Australian Special Forces Commando. The case is important in so far it has made clear the recently-introduced...
Police Officer Acquitted of Fatally Shooting Teen Must Testify at Coronial Inquest
Former Northern Territory Police Officer, Zachary Rolfe is legally required to attend the Coronial Inquest into fatal shooting of Indigenous teenager Kumanjayi Walker when it resumes next week, despite his attempts to claim he should not have to attend because...
Saw X: What Criminal Offences Could Jigsaw Be Charged With?
Horror fans have been treated with a new entry in the Saw franchise with Saw X hitting cinemas earlier this month. The series follows the twisted efforts of civil engineer John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, as he “tests” unlucky...
The Voice Referendum: ‘No’ Supporters Vandalise Sydney Street Signs
The Voice has caused its fair share of controversy over the past few weeks, and by now most of us are not new to the idea that one side has to be ‘right’ and the other side therefore is ‘wrong’. ...
Duggan Requests Postponement of Extradition Due to Prosecution’s Failure to Serve Evidence
Australian citizen Daniel Duggan was arrested in his hometown of Orange in rural NSW on 21 October 2022, on behalf of Washington, which is seeking to extradite the former US marine over his having taught foreigners, including Chinese nationals, to fly...
Needle Spiking and the New South Wales Criminal Law
The have been several mainstream media reports in recent times of people unknowingly being injected with sedatives whilst out at pubs, clubs or festivals, causing them to become hazy and even to fall unconscious – and thereby making them susceptible...
Can School Bullying Amount to a Criminal Offence?
Bullying involves a person who is usually of greater physical strength and/or social power acting aggressively towards or otherwise belittling their target. School bullying occurs when students bully each other, often for social status within the cutthroat world of student...
Sextortion Spikes and Young Men are the Main Targets
The criminal offence of sextortion has been on the rise in Australia over the past several years, but the latest figures released by the eSafety Commissioner show a staggering rise in reports since the start of 2023, with complaints nearly...
