Our Perspectives on Current Criminal Law & Social Justice Issues
The prevalence of unlawful strip-searches conducted by NSW police is an absolute disgrace. A recent UNSW Law School report has revealed 91% of strip searches were conducted by police who suspected a person of drug possession. Under the law, police can only conduct a strip search if they believe there are serious and urgent grounds Read more about Police don’t always meet legal criteria for strip-searches, report finds[…]
The inquest into the death of Naomi Williams, and her unborn child, has highlighted the poor quality and treatment of Indigenous people in Australia’s health system. The inquest, which concluded a couple of weeks ago, sparked several recommendations from a NSW coroner to address the health outcomes of Indigenous people. Deputy State Coroner, Harriet Grahame, Read more about Indigenous woman Naomi Williams “let down” by Australia’s health system[…]
With over 17% of drug dog inspections escalating to strip-searches by NSW police, the bark is worse than the bite. Police drug sniffer dogs have drawn renewed criticism after new data revealed an increase of strip searches in New South Wales. Greens MP David Shoebridge said the use of dogs were ineffective in stopping drug Read more about Dog Days Are Not Over[…]
In another step towards a Big Brother state, the Victorian Government will roll out police drones to monitor crowds at major Melbourne events. Following the launch of the state’s first-ever specialist drone unit, the unmanned aircraft will hover over locations deemed “high risk”. These include locations such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Police Inspector Read more about The Roll-Out of Police Drones in Melbourne[…]
The scenario is a simple one. You’ve just finished a long, hard day at work or school and begin your journey home. Suddenly, your normal journey is disrupted by a swarm of NSW Police encircling the train station turnstile you’re about to walk through. Two police officers stop you and subject you to an invasive Read more about Stripped away of their rights, dignity and clothing: The strip search problem targeting young people in NSW[…]
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Black Mirror, you know the possible risks and dangers that could arise from cyber-technology. With unanticipated twists and turns, the popular Netflix sci-fi series highlights the fatal impact of hacks, cyber-attacks, and surveillance cameras. In an age of cloud computing, proxy servers, and encryptions, serious damage and privacy Read more about Australian Government Proposes New ‘Big Brother’ World[…]
Media Release – 24/06/2019 Former youth detainee Dylan Voller, launched defamation action against three media organisations over comments made by public users on the respective Facebook pages of those organisations. Today in the Supreme Court of NSW, Justice Rothman found in essence that each of the defendants were not merely conduits for the comments. They Read more about Dylan Voller Wins Landmark Social Media Defamation Case[…]
MEDIA RELEASE – 13/06/2019 On 13 March 2018 on its Sunrise Breakfast program, Channel Seven broadcasted a segment with the title, “Aboriginal Adoption, Proposal for White Families Should Take in Abused Kids”. The segment, headed by host Samantha Armytage, was widely condemned and provoked passionate protests for its lack of Aboriginal voices, the tone of Read more about Channel 7 Hosed-out in Yirrkala Community Case[…]
Six prison officers in New South Wales could face criminal charges after being found to have engaged in serious abuse towards inmates. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) found the six staff members from Lithgow Correctional Centre allegedly participated in corruptive conduct and excessive force on inmates in 2014. In the damning findings, an inmate Read more about Serious Corruption Findings Against Prison Guards[…]
Supreme Court Bail Practice Note SC CL 11 In a fair and equitable legal system, justice should never compromise itself at the price of efficiency. It is for this reason that the changes proposed in the Supreme Court Bail Practice Note SC CL 11, which had a commencement date of 3 June, are of such concern. Bail Read more about Changes To The Procedure In Applying For Bail[…]
