In order for fact-finders to rationally evaluate the probative value of forensic pattern-matching evidence, information about the accuracy and reliability of examiners’ opinions is necessary. Empirical tests of ability and performance, however, must…
Previous research has examined the impact of the match between expert witness gender and the gender-orientation of the case, suggesting that traditional gender-role stereotyping was influencing mock jurors’ decisions. Manipulations of the orientation…
Through a review of reported challenges this article explains how latent fingerprint evidence was routinely admitted and relied upon as proof of identity in criminal proceedings before its value and limitations were studied or understood. That it was…
Alcohol and Other Drug (‘AOD’) use is prevalent in Australia and worldwide, and is frequently a factor in many crimes. Police are often required to assess whether an individual is relevantly intoxicated. This article reviews the current laws and…
Courts are increasingly called upon to adjudicate hard cases involving questions of social facts. In deciding these matters, in a just and efficient manner according to law, courts will desirably have recourse to social science material and, perhaps…
This article considers the role of the excuse of mistake of fact in Queensland rape and sexual assault law. We argue that the excuse has undesirable and socially regressive consequences by allowing reference to factors such as the complainant’s…
From 1890 to 1892, Sir Samuel Griffith, as Premier of Queensland, promoted a scheme under which Queensland would itself have been divided into a federation of initially three provinces — North, Central and South Queensland — and then two provinces,…
Export controls are gradually emerging as a source of contention within the World Trade Organisation (‘WTO’) law. Resource-exporting developing countries are increasingly finding it difficult to reserve the use of commodities and mineral resources…
The recent Review of Freedom of Speech in Australian Higher Education Providers (‘the Review’), overseen by the Hon Robert French AC, identified areas for improving freedom of speech and academic freedom, and to that end proposed the adoption of…
Interest in Australian private international law has rekindled over the past decade. Australian courts are contending with more transnational litigation than ever before, facilitated by the ease with which people, business and information now cross…
