Legal Affairs
Victoria: the lenient state
JOHN FERGUSONMore evidence has emerged of soft prison sentences in Victoria.
Chief justice act ‘inappropriate’
NICOLA BERKOVICThe former Victorian chief justice’s “back-corridor communication” about a High Court appeal was “inappropriate”.
Countering foreign overreach
CHRIS MERRITTA middle course through the citizenship catastrophe might involve a stronger response to other nations’ citizenship laws.
Judge criticised over DPP row
NICOLA BERKOVIC, SIMON BENSONSenior legal figures have rounded on former Victorian chief justice Marilyn Warren.
Information-sharing key to security
ANTHONY BERGINThere is a growing awareness among many in authority that life is now too easy for those who wish to do us harm.
Calls to end mandatory terms
Amos AikmanThe NT Police Association has joined a growing chorus of calls for the government to scrap mandatory sentencing laws.
Bikie’s hand smashed
Charlie PeelA Rebels bikie gang member had his hand smashed with a hammer for signing a police statement against a fellow member.
Shroffs’ family practice growing
CHRIS MERRITTWith 102 partners and more than 400 lawyers, India’s SAM & Co “treasures” the fact it is a family-run business.
Innovation patent loss to hit SMEs
MICHAEL WILLIAMSThe federal government’s decision to abolish the innovation patent system is a bad idea.
Union star quits for the law
ewin HannanThe federal secretary of the nation’s biggest union is resigning her post to take up a position as a lawyer.
Vic sentencing has ‘lost its way’
RACHEL BAXENDALEVictoria’s Victims of Crime Commissioner says a High Court ruling sends a ‘very strong message’ on sentencing.
Top judge, DPP in sentencing row
NICOLA BERKOVICFormer Victorian chief justice Marilyn Warren accused the state’s top prosecutor of misleading the High Court.
Time’s up for lax sentences
NICOLA BERKOVICFor years, Victorian prosecutors have despaired at the lax sentences handed to some of the state’s worst criminals.
Clarity or complexity
CHRIS MERRITTBarnaby Joyce’s legal team is pitching to the High Court an argument that might simply be too complicated.
Violent criminals ‘get off lightly’
Nicola BerkovicTerrorists, rapists and others handed overly lenient sentences because Victorian judges incorrectly interpret law, High Court finds.
Donaghue’s radical option
CHRIS MERRITTThere are two possible ways the government could emerge as the winner from the constitutional struggle in the High Court.
Chief of Family Court – for a year
NICOLA BERKOVICThe Family Court could be set for a radical shake-up, with the appointment of a new chief justice who will retire next year.
Jones case ‘too complex for jury’
Mark SchliebsA defamation battle involving broadcaster Alan Jones will become too big for a jury, a Supreme Court judge has ruled.
Joyce bid to overcome 1992 ruling
ROSIE LEWISLawyers are calling on the High Court to take a narrower interpretation of the Constitution.
Bauer to appeal Rebel payout
PIA AKERMAN, STEPHEN BROOKPublishing giant Bauer Media confirms it will appeal a record-breaking defamation payout to actress Rebel Wilson.
Gould takes ATO to court
Ben ButlerThe architect of a globe-spanning scheme dismantled by the ATO has launched defamation action against tax boss Chris Jordan.
Doubts over ICAC restructure
Chris merrittThere is now some doubt about whether a key element of ICAC’s proposed restructure will ever happen.
Bryant’s wish: more women at top
NICOLA BERKOVICFamily Court Chief Justice Diana Bryant, who is stepping down after 13 years at the helm, is full of hope for women.
Bright for some, bleak for others
JOEL BAROLSKYI’m often asked about the future of the legal market. ‘It depends,’ is my usual answer.
Services return to growth
CHRIS MERRITTDemand for legal services has returned to growth, although by just 0.1pc, after four years of decline.
Law Society in SSM backflip
CHRIS MERRITTA revolt has forced the NSW Law Society to concede its support for same-sex marriage was not based on the views of its members.
Family law chief in reform push
NICOLA BERKOVICScrapping the Family Court could be one way to save money, according to the court’s outgoing chief.
Law Society heads off revolt
CHRIS MERRITTNSW body accepts its members are obliged to question any adverse consequences arising from changes to marriage law.
Family law may bypass judges
NICOLA BERKOVICWarring parents could have their disputes about children resolved by social workers, psychologists and other non-lawyers.
Rights of sperm donors expanded
CHRIS MERRITTThe Family Court has greatly expanded the parental rights of sperm donors.
