On Thursday 28 July 2023 authorities in Singapore executed by hanging 45 year old ethnic Tamil citizen Saridewi Binte Djamani. Ms Djamani was convicted after trial and sentenced to death for trafficking 30.72 grams of heroin. On Appeal Ms Djamani relied on the defence of consumption and that the heroin was for her own personal
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Legal System
Banksia Prison – Youth Justice For All
Supreme Court Justice Tottle published reasons that found the lockdown of at least three Indigenous youths at Banksia Hill was unlawful. This has been an ongoing problem for the prison system, parents of incarcerated youths and politicians for many years. In response, public opinion is vocal: “Do the Crime do the Time,” and “what about
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Trespass or Burglary?
Both trespass and burglary have to do with property (land and buildings) and the person. It is vital that the distinction between trespass and burglary is known because in terms of penalty, someone charged with trespass usually receives a fine whereas someone charged with burglary – especially if the premises was a home and occupied
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First Time Alleged Offenders & Mental Health
Repeat offenders There are two categories of alleged offenders. The first category comprise repeat offenders – individuals who are known to police and the courts and are aware of the processes involved to deal with the charges. These individuals are so used to repeated encounters with the criminal justice system their ability to navigate the
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Caning Exemption In Singapore
On a recent trip to Singapore – one could not help but tune into the current debate among the legal profession, lawmakers and prosecutors as well has human rights groups on whether the current exemption for men over 50 years of age are to be spared from being caned, for sex offences against children. Caning
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The Bruce Lehrmann – Brittany Higgins Trial Is NOT OVER
The collapse of the Lehrmann-Higgins trial is a travesty of justice. Neither party received a just outcome. The outcome is at odds with the Rule of Law. This is a real concern. Rape trials are a common occurrence in Australian courts and further afield. The parties just get on with it and it is very
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The Queen Is Dead, Long Live the King
The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II brings great sadness to the World. The Queen’s 70-year reign marks an unwavering, unconditional devotion to serving the people of the Commonwealth. The Queen is sadly missed by lawyers and staff of this practice and our sincere condolences go out to the Royal family. What may not
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Bail Amendments In Child Sex Abuse Cases
If you are an adult accused of sexually abusing a child, a person under the age of 18, and the person is still a child at the time bail is being considered then recent amendments to the Bail Act 1982 compel bail decision makers to consider the safety and well-being of the child before bail
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Are the Russians War Criminals?
President Biden recently accused Russia of committing war crimes and Vladimir Putin a war criminal. Whether these accusations are justified will be determined under international law. The question turns on whether the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on the 24 February 2022 ordered by Vladimir Putin constituted crimes of aggression. International Legal Framework International
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I’m Guilty – I want you to defend me?
Criminal defence lawyers do not get this question every day but when they do, the answer is often no. If a client admits to the charge and the underlying facts to the defence lawyer then the legal advice runs along the lines of a plea-in-mitigation and how to prepare for that. Lawyers must not mislead
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