What is the Burden of Proof in a Criminal Caseby Luisa Gaetani10 July 202618 August 2026KEY TAKE-AWAYS In criminal cases, the prosecution is responsible for proving every element of the offence beyond reasonable doubt Every accused person is presumed innocent… Read More »What is the Burden of Proof in a Criminal Case
What is the Difference Between an ADVO and a Criminal Charge?by Luisa Gaetani9 July 202618 August 2026KEY TAKE-AWAYS An AVO is a protective court order designed to prevent future harm; it is not a criminal conviction There are two types of… Read More »What is the Difference Between an ADVO and a Criminal Charge?
ADVOs, Family Court & “Charge First, Test Later” Concernsby Luisa Gaetani28 May 202629 June 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights KEY TAKE OUTS: Historical domestic violence allegations often arise during Family Court parenting disputes and can have immediate consequences before evidence… Read More »ADVOs, Family Court & “Charge First, Test Later” Concerns
Campbelltown Domestic Violence Tragedyby Luisa Gaetani21 May 202616 July 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights Co-Authored by Grace Jolly KEY TAKE OUTS: Recent allegations arising from the Campbelltown tragedy highlight the devastating reality of genuine domestic… Read More »Campbelltown Domestic Violence Tragedy
What Happens in a Criminal Case in NSW? A Step-by-Step Guideby Luisa Gaetani15 April 202629 June 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights KEY TAKE OUTS: A criminal case in NSW does not follow a single path. Summary offences stay in the Local Court… Read More »What Happens in a Criminal Case in NSW? A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding Protests and Police Powers in NSWby Luisa Gaetani13 February 202629 June 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights KEY TAKE OUTS: Protests are legal in NSW, but they are regulated by public order and criminal laws. Authorised public assemblies… Read More »Understanding Protests and Police Powers in NSW
When ADVOs Are Weaponised in Family Law Conflict in NSWby Luisa Gaetani9 February 202629 June 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights KEY TAKE OUTS: ADVOs are a vital protection tool, but in high-conflict family law matters they can sometimes be misused as… Read More »When ADVOs Are Weaponised in Family Law Conflict in NSW
What Is the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026?by Luisa Gaetani28 January 2026The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 is a package of proposed Commonwealth law changes aimed at strengthening Australia’s response to hate-motivated conduct, extremist… Read More »What Is the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026?
Meredith v State of NSW (2025): Police Strip Search Unlawfulby Luisa Gaetani11 November 202529 June 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: The Supreme Court of NSW, in Meredith v State of NSW (No 5) [2025] NSWSC 1133 examines strip searches. NSW Police practices… Read More »Meredith v State of NSW (2025): Police Strip Search Unlawful
NSW Speed Camera Changes in 2025: Light Vehicles Now Under the Lensby Luisa Gaetani2 June 202527 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: Average Speed Cameras have now been switched on to target any light vehicle speeding. The trial commenced 1 May 2025 and will… Read More »NSW Speed Camera Changes in 2025: Light Vehicles Now Under the Lens
Parents Gifting Property Deposits? Here’s What Could Go Wrongby Luisa Gaetani29 May 202516 July 2026KEY INSIGHTS: If parents are helping their child with purchasing a property it needs to be clearly stated if it is a loan or a… Read More »Parents Gifting Property Deposits? Here’s What Could Go Wrong
Key Changes to Family Law: What Separating Couples Need to Know from 10 June 2025by Luisa Gaetani12 May 202527 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: The changes focus on the financial and property aspects of relationship breakdown. The changes commence from 10 June 2025. These changes apply… Read More »Key Changes to Family Law: What Separating Couples Need to Know from 10 June 2025
Understanding NSW Adoption Lawsby Luisa Gaetani16 April 202516 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: In NSW, to legally adopt a child the Supreme Court is the governing body, with an eligibility criterion which considers age, residency… Read More »Understanding NSW Adoption Laws
Understanding Coercive Control within Family Lawby Luisa Gaetani20 March 202516 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: The term “coercive control” has now been dealt with by the Full Court with regard to family law matters. The leading case… Read More »Understanding Coercive Control within Family Law
Legislative definition of ‘Stalking’ has been expandedby Luisa Gaetani27 February 202527 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: As of the 1 December 2024, the definition of ‘stalking’ was expanded. It is an offence to use technology to monitor or… Read More »Legislative definition of ‘Stalking’ has been expanded
Understanding Coercive Control in NSWby Luisa Gaetani28 November 202429 June 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: Learn what constitutes coercive control What do I do if I feel this is happening to me Is it an offence to… Read More »Understanding Coercive Control in NSW
What you need to know about Prescribed Cannabis and drivingby Luisa Gaetani31 October 202430 June 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: There is no exemption for prescribed cannabis users in respect to driving with THC in their oral fluid, blood or urine. There… Read More »What you need to know about Prescribed Cannabis and driving
The offence of grooming in NSWby Luisa Gaetani24 October 202416 July 2026KEY TAKE OUTS: Learn more about the offence of grooming and how the prosecution must prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt. Graham Cook’s recent arrest… Read More »The offence of grooming in NSW
Refusing or Failing to Provide a Breath Test in New South Walesby Luisa Gaetani30 September 202427 July 2026KEY TAKE AWAYS: Drink driving is a factor in about 18% of all fatal crashes in NSW. Refusing a breath analysis test in NSW is an… Read More »Refusing or Failing to Provide a Breath Test in New South Wales
Debunking Common Misconceptions in Family Lawby Luisa Gaetani30 January 202428 July 2025Co-authored by Melina Manna KEY TAKE OUTS: There are a number of misconceptions in Family Law. The Court will always rule in the best interests… Read More »Debunking Common Misconceptions in Family Law