When a jury retires to consider its verdict they must only rely on evidence presented in court. Judges direct jurors to consider only what the witnesses said in court and documents, exhibits and for example video evidence admitted as evidence in court. Judges go one-step further and direct jurors not undertake their own research, not
Read more …
Criminal Cases
Johnny Depp Wins & Amber Heard Loses
The jury in the Depp-Heard defamation trial unanimously ruled in favour of Johnny Depp finding that the editorial written and published by Amber Heard in the Washington Post in 2018 defamed her former husband. What Heard wrote centred on domestic abuse and the jury had to decide on whether during their 15-month marriage Depp was
Read more …
School Leavers Mandated Covid-19 Vaccinations
Some 10,000 WA school leavers will soon be venturing out to take part in end-of-year schoolie celebrations. The most popular spots are Dunsborough and Rottnest Island. Students have been warned that Covid-19 vaccination certificates are mandatory. Those attending organised events in Dunsborough for example must provide proof of vaccination through an app. Fraudulently Obtained Vaccination
Read more …
My Name is Cleo
The finding of little Cleo Smith is a magnificent outcome giving relief to her parents and all concerned including the public across Australia and around the World. Western Australia Police detectives found Cleo after 18 days since she had gone missing from a campsite at the blowholes just outside of Carnarvon. Detectives and lawyers all
Read more …
Bill Cosby’s Conviction Overturned
Bill Cosby’s 2018 conviction for the sexual assault of Andrea Constand in 2004 was overturned yesterday by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The 2018 conviction was heralded as the first high profile man in Hollywood to fall to the #MeToo Movement and set the scene for a floodgate of allegations. Why the Cosby Conviction Was Overturned?
Read more …
Swimming Australia Abuse And Sexual Misconduct Complaints
The complaints levelled at Swimming Australia (SA) concerning physical and psychological abuse and sexual misconduct are concerning. Elite swimmer Madeline Groves has complained about social media about her treatment at training. In doing so, Ms Groves has given life to the #MeToo Movement to swim coaching across Australia. The extent and nature of the problem
Read more …
Believe Women And The Rule Of Law
Believe women is a political slogan arising out of the MeToo# Movement. The reason advanced by women is that women who complain of being raped have historically been met with deep suspicion by police, close friends and even family members. Being Found Guilty of Rape Anyone found guilty of rape must be dealt with under
Read more …
Should An Accused Give Evidence?
In every criminal trial it is up to the prosecuting authority (prosecution) to “bring its case”. In doing so the aim of the prosecution is to satisfy the court beyond a reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused. Some might believe in lofty ideals that the prosecution is to see justice done. It is quite
Read more …
The Jury Verdict And Sentencing Of Michael Chauvin
The much-awaited jury verdict in the criminal trial of former police officer Derek Michael Chauvin is now – guilty of two counts of murder and one count of the manslaughter of George Floyd. On the 25th May 2020 Minneapolis Police arrested Mr Floyd outside a convenience store. Police were called following a complaint by an
Read more …
The Rule Of Law & Christian Porter
The Rule of Law has recently been raised by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Attorney-General Christian Porter in defence of historic sexual assault allegations levelled at the latter. The term rule of law has been raised so many times in the past few days that it has almost become part of the general vernacular.
Read more …
