The “Hi Mum” Scam and the Offence of Fraud
A 21-year-old Victorian man has been charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception for fraudulent transactions linked to the increasing popular “Hi Mum” scam. But what is the “Hi Mum” scam? How does it fit into the legal...
Offences Relating to Children Accessing or Being Shown Pornographic Material
Many people assume that once a person reaches the age of consent, they are free to pursue any (lawful) kind of sexual activity they wish, including participating in and/or accessing or being exposed to pornography. However, this is not necessarily...
The Laws Relating to Public Nudity in New South Wales
Free the Nipple is a feminist campaign with goals to make it legal and socially acceptable for women to be topless in public and to post topless images on social media websites such as Instagram and Facebook. But what’s this...
Should a Regulated Cannabis Market be Introduced in Australia?
Preliminary results from the New Zealand referendum on cannabis legalisation indicate strong opposition to the reform. The results show just over half (53%) of voters rejected proposed changes which would have allowed the legal possession and sale of cannabis products,...
A “Shadow Pandemic”: COVID Leads to Rise in Domestic Violence Offences
Since the start of the pandemic, concerns have been raised that a combination of household isolation due to lockdowns as well as work and financial stress could lead to a wave of domestic violence offences not just in our state,...
What is ‘Excessive Force’ During an Arrest in NSW?
Many were shocked this week by the footage of Sydney University Law Professor Simon Rice being pushed to the ground whilst observing a student protest. Professor Rice was placed under arrest for violating COVID-19 restrictions, with many questioning both the...
Should it Be a Crime to Exert ‘Coercive Control’ Over a Domestic Partner?
In a move met with a mixed response from family violence experts, a law has been introduced into New South Wales parliament which aims to make it a criminal offence to isolate and control a domestic partner through coercive means....
The Historical Offence of Homosexuality in Australia
The history of homosexual law reform in Australia, and NSW in particular, is one of resistance against injustice and a recognition of the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ Australians. The crime of buggery Australia inherited its anti-homosexual laws from England....
Is a Strong Police Presence the Best Way to Deal with COVID-19?
As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, questions are increasingly being asked about the use of police to ensure compliance both locally and abroad. Here is what we know about the use of police during times of public health...
Mental Health Laws Are Set to Change In NSW
Key aspects of NSW forensic mental health laws are set to change in 2021 following the passage of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Bill 2020 (NSW) last month. The changes will clarify principles involved in key forensic...
