Drafting Section 14 Mental Health Applications – A Guide for Criminal Lawyers
Applications under section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 are a handy tool for diverting clients who suffer from ‘mental conditions’ towards getting the help they need. The section allows a court to dismiss...
Consorting Laws: Crime Prevention or Human Rights Violation?
Recent measures to reduce organised criminal activity have been challenged by the Australian Human Rights Commission, although they continue to be defended by NSW Solicitor-General Michael Sexton as a legitimate way to prevent convicted criminals and bikies planning future crimes....
What can I do about Annoying Neighbours: Noise Control and Nuisance Orders NSW
Having neighbourhood disputes? Why not televise it? At least this is what one Television station in New Zealand has decided to do in their long-running TV show, Neighbours at War. While New Zealand has chosen to cash in on nuisance...
What Are The Penalties For Littering in New South Wales
Did you know there is a website now where you can ‘dob in a litterer’? Cigarette butts littered from car windows can be reported, and fines can be issued by state authorities. And that is not all, there is even...
Body Cams a Win for the Police and the Public
NSW Police officers are to be equipped with “body cams”, lightweight video cameras that are clipped to officers’ uniforms when they are dealing with the public. This new initiative was announced recently by the NSW Government, and is expected to roll out...
When is it in the Public Interest to Lay Criminal Charges?
The recent public fistfight between casino billionaire James Packer and media heavyweight David Gyngell raises an interesting issue of whether police should still investigate an incident and lay charges if the people involved don’t want to take the matter further....
What is the Maximum Sentencing for Affray?
Legal terminology can often be confusing, and a case in point is the offence known as affray. The word affray might conjure up images of all-in brawls, but actually you can be up on affray charges without having hurt anyone....
What is Affray in NSW Law?
Affray in NSW law is classified as a ‘public disorder’ offence, and comes with penalties ranging from fines, to ten years imprisonment. Although originally created to deal with widespread unrest and disturbances that endangered public safety, affray charges are now becoming...
Will a Criminal Record or AVO Affect My Security Licence?
Do you already work in the security industry, or are you considering a career in the field? Whether you are currently employed or looking for work, you will need to have a security licence for most security-related occupations. If you...
