What is the Defence of Necessity?
Police have reported that just after 5pm on Friday, 27 March 2020, police sought to pull over an Audi case that was being driven on Greenacre Road in Greenacre, south-western Sydney. According to police, the vehicle accelerated to at least...
Penalties Increase for Illegal Mobile Phone Use
In just few hours this morning, a month’s worth of rain fell across Sydney, causing traffic congestion, flooding and property damage. From 5.30am to 9.00am, more than a 100mm of rain poured over the Sydney metropolitan are, creating transport delays...
Disqualified Drivers Can Now Apply to Get Their Licences Back
The Road Transport Amendment (Driver Licence Disqualification) Act came into effect on 28 October 2017, allowing certain disqualified drivers in NSW to apply to the local court for the removal of their disqualification periods. Who can apply? If you are...
Mobile Phone Use Blamed for Rising Road Toll
Almost 1300 people died on our roads last year, making 2016 the second successive year to see a rise in the figures, after decades of decline. The increase has left many trying to figure out why. Since 1970, when the...
Condom Mercy Mission and the Defence of Necessity
Back in 2004, 24-year-old Darwin man Lee Collinson was driving without a licence to his cousin’s home when pulled over by police. His explanation for driving was that he had to make urgent delivery: “My cousin was about to [have...
The Dangers of Joyriding
The offence of larceny, or theft, requires an element of intention to permanently deprive the owner of the item. So is it still stealing if you were just borrowing the item? ‘Joyriding’ is where a car is taken and driven...
When False Accusations Lead to Tragedy
When people make accusations against others, they normally think that they are justified. A bit of sketchy information combined with emotions like frustration and anger can all work together to make a hunch seem like solid reality. In trivial circumstances,...
Mobile Phone Use Sparks Road Rage
The dangers of driving while distracted have been well documented, but have road safety organisations gone too far in convincing people of the dangers of driving and texting, or talking on the phone? It would appear that the message has...
Should We Have Stricter Driver Licensing Requirements?
We all have that one friend or family member who possesses questionable driving skills. And if you’re someone who drives on a regular basis, you might often find yourself wondering how certain drivers on our roads managed to get their...
Should Cyclists be Charged in the Same Way As Car Drivers?
Driving negligently or drink driving in a motor vehicle can lead to harsh penalties, especially if someone is injured as a result. But many cyclists may not be aware that they can also be liable for criminal charges and severe...
