The Dangers of Joyriding
The offence of larceny, or theft, requires an element of intention to permanently deprive the owner of the item. So is it still stealing if you were just borrowing the item? ‘Joyriding’ is where a car is taken and driven...
The “Struggle Street” Controversy
SBS’s controversial three-part documentary series Struggle Street caused a furore even before it aired. The series, which examined social inequality in the Western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt, created a stir following the release of unflattering advertisements for its first...
How Should We Tackle Crime in Public Housing?
Drug dealing, domestic violence, malicious damage – public housing estates have always had a reputation for being hotspots for criminal activity, and over the years a multitude of proposals have been implemented in an attempt to address these issues, with...
Is There a Drug Problem Among Truck Drivers?
Truck driving is certainly not a cushy job. It is laborious and sometimes dangerous work, with truckies amongst the most likely to be injured or killed at work. It is well-known that truck drivers may be expected to work long...
Client Avoids Prison Despite Breaching Suspended Sentence
In May 2013, our client pleaded guilty to Supplying a Commercial Quantity of Prohibited Drug and 3 counts of Possess Prohibited Drug. He was given a two-year ‘Suspended Sentence’ and 3 x three-year ‘Section 9 Good Behaviour Bonds’ for those...
Should Sniffer Dogs be Banned?
Those who regularly attend music festivals will be aware that sniffer dogs routinely patrol the events in an attempt to catch would-be drug users and suppliers. Yet despite their presence, it seems that sniffer dogs do little to deter drug...
Should those who commit the same crimes get similar punishments? The parity principle
At the heart of our criminal justice system are the fundamental principles of justice, fairness and equality. Their application is especially important when it comes to imposing penalties upon people who are guilty of committing criminal offences. Fairness and equality...
Are Drug Driving Laws Fair?
NSW drivers are now facing an even greater chance of being drug tested, after police have linked crashes to drug use. And newer machines used to detect drugs in saliva samples are even more sensitive to drugs than older technology,...
Are Proceeds of Crime Laws Unfair?
We have penned a number of blogs over the years about proceeds of crime laws and the applicable penalties. Under section 193C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), it is a criminal offence to possess or deal with property that...
With so much Media Attention on Violent Crime: Are Crime Rates in NSW Rising or Falling
Recent figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that most of the main offence types have remained steady or decreased in number throughout the state over the previous three months. There have been a number...
