Naomi Neilson

When a dressing-down in court wins over decorum

There is something to be said for scolding irreverent defendants over the formal dressing-down that court decorum demands. For one thing, it’s in a language they ...

BIG LAW • Mon, 08 Jun 2020

Manslaughter by firearm penalties significantly increase

The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to increase the maximum penalty around manslaughter, child homicide and workplace manslaughter charges.

BIG LAW • Mon, 08 Jun 2020

NSW widens scope of sexual exploitation laws

Adults of authority over teenagers will now face stronger criminal charges if they engage in any sexual activity with an underage person in their care under laws enacted ...

BIG LAW • Mon, 08 Jun 2020

SA catches up with abortion reform

Although still far from perfect, the South Australian government has taken a step towards reforming abortion and related harassment laws across the state.

BIG LAW • Sun, 07 Jun 2020

Hong Kong hits back at Law Council’s criticism

The Australian Law Council labelled Hong Kong’s proposed national security laws “deeply troubling” with “problematic features”. Now, China has hit back.

BIG LAW • Thu, 04 Jun 2020

NSW to recognise mentally ill defendant’s crimes

NSW government decision to change the wording around mentally ill defendants could see the victims of these crimes receive some form of justice.

BIG LAW • Thu, 04 Jun 2020

Criminal justice system funding cut, despite $700m prison plans

The criminal justice system will fail to uphold protections both in and out of prison without the appropriate disability funding, according to legal experts.

BIG LAW • Wed, 03 Jun 2020

Human rights lawyers welcome High Court tear gas decision

As the world “shines a light onto racism”, the legal sector has welcomed a decision by the High Court of Australia to rule it illegal for young offenders to be attacked ...

BIG LAW • Wed, 03 Jun 2020

Victoria courts to refresh youth charges

Under a proposed suite of changes, the Sentencing Advisory Council has advised that all courts go easier on youth offenders and expand the funding into regional areas of ...

BIG LAW • Wed, 03 Jun 2020