ADVOs, Family Court & “Charge First, Test Later” Concernsby Carolyn Shiels28 May 202621 May 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 Carolyn Shiels21 May 202621 May 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 Carolyn Shiels15 April 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
ADVO Allegations in Parenting Disputes: Why Evidence Still Matters (NSW Case Study)by Carolyn Shiels25 March 202624 March 2026A Special Counsel’s Insights KEY TAKE OUTS: Allegations of domestic violence arising during parenting disputes must still be supported by proper evidence. Accepting an ADVO… Read More »ADVO Allegations in Parenting Disputes: Why Evidence Still Matters (NSW Case Study)
Understanding Protests and Police Powers in NSWby Carolyn Shiels13 February 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 Carolyn Shiels9 February 20266 February 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
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Explainedby Carolyn Shiels21 January 202621 January 2026Co-Authored by Grace Jolly KEY TAKE OUTS: Australia has introduced a mandatory minimum age of 16 for certain social media platforms, placing compliance obligations on… Read More »Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Explained
Meredith v State of NSW (2025): Police Strip Search Unlawfulby Carolyn Shiels11 November 202511 November 2025KEY 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
Understanding Coercive Control in NSWby Carolyn Shiels28 November 20246 February 2025KEY 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
The offence of grooming in NSWby Grace Jolly24 October 202431 July 2025Co-Author: Carolyn Shiels KEY TAKE OUTS: Learn more about the offence of grooming and how the prosecution must prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt. Graham… Read More »The offence of grooming in NSW