Police Make Breakthroughs in Unsolved Cases
While many of us might think of television police dramas when we hear the words cold case, there are many unsolved cases in police jurisdictions across Australia, just waiting for breakthroughs. When it comes to unsolved cases, things like developments...
How Prevalent is Police Misuse of Tasers in NSW?
The use of Tasers by police officers in NSW has been under scrutiny over recent years after a number of high profile cases where the weapons have been misused against members of the public. In 2012, the NSW Ombudsman published...
NSW Police Officers Charged Over Shooting
Four NSW police officers have been charged with perjury and giving false evidence after they allegedly lied under oath during a Police Integrity Commission (PIC) inquiry into the shooting of a mentally ill man by police five years ago. 36-year-old...
Gun Laws and the Risk Posed by 3D Printing Technology
A new Senate inquiry is due to look at a number of different aspects of firearms manufacture, importation and regulation amid concerns that technology has evolved to the point where the law is lagging behind. There are also concerns over...
Father Convicted After Buying Gifts For His Son
Australia has perhaps the strictest quarantine laws in the world. We even have the TV show Border Security, where we can watch people get into trouble for infringing them. The long list of things that are not allowed into the...
Unacceptable Risk in Bail Laws: What Does it Mean?
Under the new NSW Bail Act, it is up to the bail authority to determine whether a defendant poses an unacceptable risk to the community if they are released on bail pending their court date. A bail authority can be...
Police Search Powers Under a Firearms Prohibition Order in NSW
A recent amendment to the Firearms Prohibition Order in NSW has given police increased powers to search for and confiscate illegal firearms. The Firearms Amendment (Prohibition Orders) Bill was implemented in November 2013 in a bid to deter bikies and other criminal gang...
What are the Wider Effects of a Criminal Conviction?
Having a criminal conviction on your record can have lasting consequences. Not all convictions are for serious offences, yet a conviction can still end up being a nuisance for years into the future. For example, you might have a conviction...
When Small Matters Turn Into Large Legal Problems
Two recent incidents have cast a spotlight on how small matters can quickly turn into monumental legal issues. A Queensland man caused a hijacking scare on a flight to Bali on Friday after mistaking the cockpit for the toilet, while...
Is it Legal to Carry Pepper Spray in Australia?
Everyone deserves the right to feel safe. If you walk home from your bus stop after work and the way is poorly lit, or if you live in a dodgy neighbourhood, you may feel that you face a real risk...
