Pornography Laws in Australia
The Federal government has recently released a report into Australia’s national classification regulation, which is likely to have a significant impact on the laws regarding pornography across the nation. Australian laws relating to sexually explicit content depicting consenting adults are...
Magistrate Resigns Over Remarks About Sexual Assault Complainant
A Magistrate who told a sexual assault complainant that “she had put herself in the position” of being sexual assaulted and subsequently “had buyer’s remorse” has resigned following an investigation by the Judicial Commission of Victoria. The Commission ordered an...
Does ‘Gender Deception’ Invalidate Sexual Consent in New South Wales?
Between the years of 2012 and 2017, a string of cases in the United Kingdom involved determinations regarding whether a complainant could assert they did not lawfully consent to sexual activity as they were deceived into believing the other participant...
Bizarre Australian Criminal Cases: The Simpsons Porn Case
There are many bizarre cases that form part of Australian legal history, but perhaps none more vexing when it comes to balancing the often competing considerations of free speech on the one hand, and protecting the innocent on the other,...
Jarryd Hayne Faces Third Trial Over Sexual Assault Allegation
Former National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne is back in Downing Centre District Court to face a third trial over allegations of sexual assault. Vehemently maintains innocence Mr Hayne has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout years of prosecution, and has...
Can a Person Consent to Sexual Activity Whilst Intoxicated?
The twenty first century has seen a whole of radical changes to the definition of sexual consent in New South Wales, invariably expanding the situations when it is to be considered a person is not consenting. Previous definition of sexual...
The Rules Regarding the Legality of Brothels in New South Wales
Are you considering engaging in sex work in New South Wales? Or perhaps establishing a brothel in our state? Or maybe are you’re employed as a sex worker and have concerns about the legality of your workplace? Or perhaps you...
Are ‘Recovered’ Memories of Childhood Abuse Reliable?
In the 1970s, a Canadian woman named Michelle Smith sought psychiatric treatment for depression following a miscarriage. Her psychiatrist, Lawrence Pazder, felt that her symptoms indicated early experiences of child sexual abuse, and he then used hypnosis to help “recover”...
Is it a Crime to Produce, Possess or Distribute AI Generated Child Pornography?
AI image generators, which use cutting edge algorithms to create unique, photo-realistic images are quickly becoming popular within creative industries. But as with all new technologies, they can also be used for nefarious purposes. Arrest for producing child pornography via...
Sydney Solicitor Cleared of Sexual Assault Allegations
A solicitor employed with a criminal law firm in Sydney’s west has been cleared of all sexual assault allegations made against him. 29-year old criminal defence lawyer Steven Mercael was charged with aggravated sexual assault as well as the lesser...
