Articles
Legal Professional Privilege
Legal professional privilege describes the protection from disclosure extended to communications (written or oral) made in the course of obtaining legal advice or for contemplated or actual legal proceedings.
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Mayor and councillor responsibilities and obligations (Queensland)
Changes to the Local Government Electoral Act introduced the mandatory requirement for all candidates for council elections and by-elections to complete ‘So you want to be a councillor?’ training within six months before nominating for election. The training was designed to address the primary responsibilities and obligations of mayors and councillors.
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The trial and acquittal of Cardinal George Pell
After two trials, an appeal, and more than 400 days in prison, Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic clergyman, Cardinal George Pell, was acquitted of his alleged crimes by the High Court of Australia. This article will look at the factors that led to this final decision in Australia’s highest court.
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Increased penalties for using a mobile phone while driving (Queensland)
As of 1 February 2020, Queensland motorists now face significantly harsher penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving. Those penalties can result in costly fines, double demerit points and in some cases, the loss of your licence.
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COVID-19 and the impact on criminal court sentencing
Procedures and decisions related to sentencing hearings, particularly where defendants are likely to receive a custodial sentence, have seen significant change in light of coronavirus.
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COVID-19 and the impact on bail applications
Applications for bail are usually required where the police have objected to a defendant being granted bail. The current COVID-19 pandemic has seen a change in the way Queensland courts (and indeed courts across the nation and internationally) are addressing bail applications.
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COVID-19 and the operation of the criminal law courts in Queensland
The work of courts in Queensland has changed rapidly to adapt to the need to reduce physical contact and contain the spread of COVID-19. Physical attendance is being minimised through re-organising the court calendar and using technology to conduct court hearings remotely.
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COVID-19 and Home Confinement Direction Queensland
On 29 March 2020, the chief health officer issued the ‘home confinement direction’ – the most restrictive direction so far. So what does it involve?
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What is fraud?
Fraud is the criminal offence of intentionally deceiving someone in order to gain an advantage or benefit (or to cause someone else a disadvantage or loss).
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Your mental health during criminal law proceedings
Your mental health will often suffer if you're charged with a criminal offence or if you’re involved in criminal law proceedings. Seeking professional assistance can be very beneficial. Ask us why and how.
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Can I get a blue card with a criminal record?
A blue card is the colloquial name for a ‘positive notice’ issued by Blue Card Services, which allows you to work with children. If you have a criminal record, your application for a blue card is not necessarily futile, but may be more complex.
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Peace and Good Behaviour Orders in Queensland
If a person is threatening someone else or their property, the threatened person may have a basis to ask the court to take action to protect them from the threatening behaviour. The threatened person can make an application for Peace and Good Behaviour Orders.
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