Articles

Laws in Australia are strict about whether it is legal to possess magic mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin. This is because they can cause hallucinations and dangerous side effects. However, they have been used by Indigenous communities for over a thousand years. Interest in their potential to treat mental health conditions like depression and PTSD […]

With stricter domestic violence laws being introduced, a common question being asked is whether financial abuse is a crime. While this has previously been seen in the context of family law proceedings, the introduction of coercive control as a criminal offence has expanded the consequences of financial abuse. This is because control of finances is […]

NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been released from jail after his sexual assault appeal was allowed and convictions overturned. This is the second successful appeal for the two-time Dally M winner. He has been through three trials to date. Hayne was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at her Newcastle following a District Court […]

The NSW government has passed new knife laws giving police unprecedented powers to use ‘wanding’ after a spate of high-profile stabbings. Police will now be able to use a hand-held metal detector without warrants in certain locations. The new legislation is not without criticism, with the opposition claiming it does not give police enough power, […]

First-time domestic violence charges are taken very seriously by the courts. In today’s climate, it is not unusual for sentences of imprisonment to be imposed for these offences. It is also often difficult to avoid a conviction unless your case is prepared and presented by an experienced criminal defence lawyer. Generally, an Apprehended Domestic Violence […]

An AVO for verbal abuse is a way for victims to protect themselves against further conduct. Verbal abuse is a way for an abuser to gain control over their victims by creating an unbalanced power dynamic between them. Verbal abuse can have complex effects on the victim’s identity and sense of self especially if it […]

A private AVO is beneficial for those who seek protection against another person when police are unwilling to help. Applying for a private AVO is a long process and can be confusing if you are uninformed about the many steps of the procedure. The below article will explain the process. What is a private AVO? […]

The age of consent varies across Australian states. The idea of an age of consent is designed to protect children, who are incapable of consenting due to their lack of maturity. Due to the complexity of sexual assault charges, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defence lawyer if the age of consent is […]

NRL journalist Paul Kent has been charged with affray in Sydney. A video has surfaced which allegedly depicts the incident. The 54-year-old was granted bail by police and has his first court date on May 24. There is a co-accused who faces similar charges. Paul Kent Affray Paul Kent presented at Newtown Police Station this […]

An AVO for harassment is a legally enforceable court order which restricts the behaviour of a person. The standard conditions of an Apprehended Violence Order prohibit the defendant from assaulting, harassing, threatening, intimidating, stalking, damaging property or harming pets of the person in need of protection (PINOP). What is Harassment? Harassment is any unwanted behaviour […]