Articles

Author: Glen Cranny


Assault occasioning bodily harm explained

Assault occasioning bodily harm explained

Assault occasioning bodily harm is a very common offence of violence, and falls within the broad category of assault offences. It is a more serious offence than common assault, but less serious than grievous bodily harm.
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Update on stop bullying orders – FedEx workers fail in Fair Work Commission

Update on stop bullying orders – FedEx workers fail in Fair Work Commission

In 2023, a number of workers engaged by FedEx Australia made an application to the Fair Work Commission for a “stop bullying order” against FedEx and one of its managers. The application was ultimately denied by the Fair Work Commission.
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Case reviews on costs decisions in criminal law summary matters

Recent costs decisions in criminal law summary matters

A defendant who successfully defends charges in the Magistrates Court is not automatically entitled to costs but they can usually apply for the reimbursement of some of their legal costs. Two recent District Court appeal cases in Queensland have provided useful guidance on the recovery of costs in such matters.
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Murder charges in Queensland

Murder charges in Queensland

In this article, we look at the definition of murder, defences available if charged with murder and the penalties if you plead guilty or are convicted. We also look at the difference between murder and manslaughter under Queensland criminal law.
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The impact of mental health on criminal sentencing

Mental health and criminal sentencing

During criminal sentencing, the mental health of the offender at the time of the offence and at the time of sentencing will be considered by the court.
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Reviewing Blue Card Decisions

Reviewing blue card decisions

In Queensland, if Blue Card Services refuse to grant someone a positive notice, they can seek to overturn that decision by lodging a review of the decision in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
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University investigations and student disciplinary proceedings

University investigations and disciplinary proceedings against students

Australian universities and other educational institutions have powers to investigate allegations of ‘general’ and ‘academic’ misconduct by students.
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Offences related to accessory or party to a crime

Being an accessory to (“aiding and abetting”) a crime

It is possible that someone can be convicted of an offence even though not performing any of the acts or omissions which constitute the offence. Such people are known as a “party” to the offence, sometimes also called an “accomplice” or an “accessory”.
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The role of guardians and attorneys in criminal law proceedings

The role of guardians and attorneys in criminal law proceedings

Important changes to the law surrounding guardians and attorneys were introduced in November 2020 which now expressly provides that a guardian or an attorney cannot enter a plea in a criminal proceeding on behalf of another individual.
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When can multiple criminal charges be tried at the same time?

When can multiple criminal charges be tried together?

A look at when multiple criminal charges can be tried at the same time and also a case where multiple charges were joined on the same indictment, however, the court found this should not have occurred.
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Can I record a conversation in Queensland using some type of recording device?

Recording conversations in Queensland – is it legal?

It is not uncommon for people to want to record conversations in which they are involved. For example, someone may wish to have an accurate record of what was said, or for their own legal protection. This leads to a common question: is it illegal to record a conversation without consent?
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When does workplace bullying constitute corrupt conduct?

When does workplace bullying constitute corrupt conduct?

The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has published a paper examining when workplace bullying reaches the legal threshold to constitute corrupt conduct under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
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