Rule of law

Traditional protections under threat by new police powers

27 Nov 2017

Traditional protections under threat by new police powers

The Law Society expressed dismay at the expansive new crime scene powers conferred on police under the Crimes (Police Powers and Firearms Offence) Amendment Bill 2017.

Concern over increased police powers

31 Oct 2017

Concern over increased police powers

Alarm at the breadth of the Bill introduced today dealing with police powers to supposedly address drive-by shootings.

Law Society disappointed by lack of consultation

16 Feb 2017

Law Society disappointed by lack of consultation

The Law Society expressed disappointment at the retrospective legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly today that attempted to ensure the validity of certain decisions made in relation to Intensive Correction Orders (ICOs).

50th Anniversary of the last judicial execution in Australia

3 Feb 2017

50th Anniversary of the last judicial execution in Australia

On this significant anniversary of the last judicial execution in Australia, it is important to acknowledge the high quality of the justice system in Australia and in particular, its evolving humanity.

Law Society opposes dilution of double jeopardy rule

5 May 2016

Law Society opposes dilution of double jeopardy rule

The Law Society criticised moves by the ACT Government to unduly dilute the rule against double jeopardy in the ACT.

The Legal Assault on Australian Democracy

12 May 2015

The Legal Assault on Australian Democracy

The 2015 Blackburn Lecture, delivered by Professor George Williams AO, an academic specialising in constitutional law at the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales.

The Rule of Law — Looking behind the icon

15 May 2007

The Rule of Law — Looking behind the icon

The 2007 Blackburn Lecture, delivered by The Hon Murray Wilcox AO QC, judge of the Federal Court of Australia.