What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Jury Trial? A jury trial is a legal proceeding in which a group of citizens, known as jurors, are selected to hear evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant. In New South Wales and Australia, jury trials and jury service play a crucial role in the criminal justice system….
Are Vapes Illegal in NSW? Vapes and vaping have become increasingly popular amongst younger people. The long-term health effects of vape use are not widely known, but research suggests it may lead to serious health issues. In light of this, several new laws regarding the use of nicotine, vapes or e-cigarettes and e-liquid have been introduced in Australia’s States and…
Kratom: Is it Legal in Australia? Is Kratom Legal in Australia? Kratom is illegal in several countries, including Australia. People have mixed feelings about Kratom. Some are calling for this substance to be more regulated with harsher penalties, while others have strong opinions on the benefits and effectiveness of Kratom. However, Kratom is addictive. It has many adverse side effects,…
Legal Age of Consent in Australia Criminal laws in Australia deals severely with offenders engaging in illegal sexual activities with a child or a young person under the legal age of consent determined by each State and Territory in Australia. The Purpose of Age of Consent Laws in Australia Consent can be defined as a person’s free and voluntary agreement…
Is Graffiti Illegal In Australia? Any act of graffiti in Australia is illegal unless the owner of the property, the local court or the private property owner gives permission to do so. The Australian Institute of Criminology has stated that graffiti vandalism is not limited to its offenders. The illegal act is most commonly conducted by males aged between 12-25 years…
What Is A Presentence Report? A Pre-Sentence Report is requested by the Court if you plead to, or are found guilty of a criminal law offence in NSW. If the Court is considering a full time custodial sentence for your matter then, in order to assist the court to consider all options, a report will be provided by community corrections…
Can a Criminal Record be cleared in Australia? A criminal record is when there is a finding of guilt or you plead guilty to an offence and the sentence imposed upon you records a criminal conviction. However, a criminal record can be cleared on the basis of a crime free period. All Australian states and territories have laws restricting the…
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Australia? The cultivation, manufacture, possession, use, selling, or supply of psilocybin or magic mushrooms is illegal in Australia. Excessive penalties are imposed for this offence and offenders can face imprisonment and expect a criminal record. What is a Hallucinogen? A hallucinogen is a drug that has the potential to produce hallucinations. A hallucination is a false…
Pepper Spray: Is it Legal in Australia? Pepper spray is illegal in most of the States and Territories in Australia. Although people are asking the Australian Government to make it legal to carry pepper spray for self-defence, only Western Australia has moved to legalise pepper spray as a controlled weapon. Is Pepper Spray Dangerous? Pepper spray contains an inflammatory compound capsaicin…
What Should a Person Do During a Search Warrant Execution? Police officers can search premises with or without a search warrant. However, there are certain laws and regulations they have to abide by before and during the execution of the search warrant. The occupant or occupants of the house also have rights. It is important to be aware of these rights before or…