Congratulations, you’re ten! Now you can be arrested

Nov 04, 2018 13:18 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law

Not so long ago, my then nie-year-old daughter wandered into my office at home. She saw a book on a shelf: Children Behind Bars by Carolyne Willow. Children Behind Bars, Daddy? What does that mean?! she exclaimed. I...

Hello magic and witchcraft, goodbye Enlightenment

Oct 31, 2018 13:13 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law

Recently a Canadian woman was charged with pretending to practise witchcraft under a law on the verge of disappearing from the Canadian Criminal Code. She had attempted to extort considerable sums of money from vulnerable...

We need better jury directions to ensure justice is done

Oct 31, 2018 13:07 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law

In a trial involving a jury, the judge gives the jury instructions on various issues including the relevant laws, trial process and evidence. In Victoria, these instructions are know as jury directions. Jury directions...

Why Australia should be wary of the Proud Boys and their violent, alt-right views on race

Oct 30, 2018 12:38 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law Politics

Australia has become a destination for a legion of far-right speakers from North America and the UK in recent months. Milo Yiannopoulos controversial visit last December resulted in violent clashes between protesters...

Let Indigenous treaties -- not the duty to consult -- lead us to reconciliation

Oct 30, 2018 12:36 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics Law

Should governments have a duty to consult First Nations when they craft laws affecting Indigenous and treaty rights? The Mikisew Cree First Nation recently argued yes, that the duty to consult should apply to...

Jamal Khashoggi: why telling the truth to power is getting a lot of journalists killed

Oct 29, 2018 19:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law

It took a while for obituaries to start appearing for murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and there is still some uncertainty over the manner of his death. Turkish authorities are so far declining to release either...

Why Australia needs a Religious Discrimination Act

Oct 29, 2018 19:41 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law

The Ruddock review on Religious Freedom has recommended the creation of a Religious Discrimination Act as part of its 20 recommendations. Some have argued there is no pressing need for a Religious Discrimination Act....