Suspected Murderer Evades Fresh Prosecution
He admitted burying his boyfriend’s body. He directed police to its whereabouts. He lied repeatedly under oath. But because of double-jeopardy laws and deal struck with police, murder suspect Michael Atkins will never go to prison for his actions. The...
Pistorius Appeal Leads to a Longer Prison Term
The story captivated the globe - a handsome Paralympic Gold medallist, his glamorous model girlfriend and the mystery surrounding her killing. Now, the South African Court of Appeal has more than doubled Oscar Pistorius’ sentence. Last year, millions watched as...
Top 5 Countries Where Australians Get into Trouble with the Law
Australians like to travel - nearly 9 million of us take overseas trips every year whether for business, family or pleasure. For most of us, the trip goes as planned and we arrive back home safely on Australian soil. But...
Moving Away from the War on Drugs: An Interview with Dr Alex Wodak
The war on drugs in not over yet. But there seems to be some glimmering light at the end of the tunnel, with the major drug law reforms that have been taking place globally over recent years. The US once...
Decriminalise the Sex Work Industry Now
The second Law and Sex Worker Health (LASH) report was released last Friday. And the study demonstrated overwhelmingly that the criminalisation of the sex work industry continues to negatively impact the health, safety and well-being of sex workers. The initial...
The CNS Prevents Indigenous Deaths in Custody: An Interview with Gerry Georgatos
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody delivered its final report on April 15 1991. The commissioners made 339 recommendations concerning custody procedures, liaison with Indigenous groups and the education of police. The 223rd recommendation was that police, Aboriginal...
Stop Testing Drivers for Minute Traces of Cannabis
Most Australian states and territories currently carry out mobile drug testing (MDT) operations that only test for three illicit substances: amphetamines, MDMA and cannabis. In Tasmania and the Northern Territory, police test for longer lists of illegal drugs. In NSW, authorities have...
Defending the Nauru 19: An Interview with Sydney Lawyer Christian Hearn
Nineteen people from the island of Nauru are facing trial accused of public order offences following a protest against the Nauruan government on June 16 2015. Now known as the Nauru 19, the group were part of hundreds of locals who’d gathered...
The Common Law Continues to Develop in Australia
The common law – or ‘judge made law’ – refers to the body of law developed by the decisions of judges. In a common law system, past decisions are known as ‘precedents’. Fundamental to the common law is the principle...
Playing it Safe on the Dance Scene: An Interview with HRV DanceWize’s Stephanie Tzanetis
Victoria is renowned for its vibrant dance party scene. There’s the bush doofs held out in regional areas, the music festivals that come with the summer season, and the old skool rave scene. And at these events, not all, but...
