Crime and Corruption in the Prison System
A guard in Western Australia’s Casuarina Prison faces a string of criminal charges for allegedly smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison. 32-year-old Scott Craig Berridge is alleged to have smuggled drugs, mobile phones and alcohol to inmates at...
Legalise It, Tax It and Reap the Benefits
The recent United Nations Conference on Drugs (UNGASS) was viewed by many as a missed opportunity to move towards the decriminalisation of drugs, especially cannabis. However, there were indications that a number of countries recognise the social and economic benefits...
Pill Testing is Coming
With another 40 festival goers arrested over the weekend at Godskitchen in Melbourne, the issue of illegal drug use at music events has hit the media spotlight again. News of the Melbourne arrests coincides with recent media reports which suggest...
Jury Nullification: Power to the People
Being on a jury is an important civic duty, although it can disrupt work and family commitments. A jury’s primary role in a criminal case is to decide the facts, and the ultimate question of whether a defendant is guilty...
Murder of Criminal Lawyer: Is the Mob Responsible?
The murder of a prominent criminal lawyer in Melbourne’ed down outside his Brunswick gelato shop last week, police reporting that a senior mafia figure was responsible for the ‘targetes inner north has raised concerns over the power of the Calabrian...
Criminal Justice Visas and Stay Certificates
Needless to say, people who are accused of crimes in Australia can be charged even if they are not Australian citizens or permanent residents; but are just here on working, study or holiday visas. So what happens if a temporary...
Don’t Get High on Your Own Supply
There are many stories about ingenious criminal masterminds - people who are able to plan elaborate schemes and get away with it, often making vast sums of money in the process. On the other hand, there are those who might...
The Dark Secret Plaguing the Legal Profession
Law is seen by many as an illustrious profession, comprised of high-earning, successful individuals with all life has to offer. But behind the glamour and prestige are the mental health risks associated with being a lawyer. In 2015, the tight-knit...
The ‘Other Talk’ We Need to Have with Our Kids
Many of us remember the awkward moment when we sat down for the first time-with our parents or children- to talk about the birds and the bees. The Australian Drug Foundation says there’s an even more important talk we need...
Don’t Visit a Prison Before Reading This
Thinking of smuggling contraband into prison? Think again. NSW Corrective Services has announced that a body scanner, known as the Body Orifice Security Scanner (or ‘BOSS’ for short) will be installed at Goulburn Supermax Prison later this year to prevent...