Gay Panic Defence – Criminal Law Reform

Gay Panic Defence – Criminal Law Reform

Queensland Law Society President Smyth supports the removal of the so called gay panic defence, which she says has no place in our modern criminal law. However, there are concerns about the definitions contained within the newly proposed laws, which submits should be tightened. Media Link http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/moves-to-remove-gay-panic-from-queensland-law-raise-questions-on-unintended-consequences-20170120-gtvr0i.html

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QLS supports move to scrap lockout laws

Queensland’s peak solicitors’ body has backed the state government’s proposed scrapping of nightclub lockout laws and opts for a more measured mandatory digital screening process to identify potentially problematic patrons. Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth said it was encouraging to see the Queensland Cabinet was considering policies other than increasing prison terms as part of mooted lockout legislation. “I […]

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QLS welcomes return of Sentencing Advisory Council

Queensland Law Society has welcomed the re-instatement of the Sentencing Advisory Council – saying it was vital to the delivery of justice throughout the state. President Christine Smyth yesterday (Thurs Jan 19) said the relaunch of SAC was consistent with QLS’s state Call to Parties document issued prior to the last Queensland election. “The Sentencing Advisory Council is reflective of […]

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Legal body applauds proposed lockout laws scrap

The Queensland Law Society has said it supports the state government’s proposed scrapping of nightclub lockout laws, saying other strategies such as a mandatory digital screening process to identify “potentially problematic patrons” are much more measured approaches. Speaking on behalf of the legal body, QLS president Christine Smyth said it was encouraging to see that the state was considering policies […]

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QLS reiterates support for nation’s first female High Court Chief Justice ahead of Monday’s swearing in – Queensland Law Society

Queensland Law Society welcomes the swearing in of Australia’s first female High Court Chief Justice, the well-deserving Justice Susan Kiefel. Justice Kiefel will be sworn in on Monday (30 Jan) at a ceremony held in Canberra, along with Justice James Edelman who will join the High Court. President Christine Smyth will be in attendance at the swearing in and said […]

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Moves to remove gay panic from Queensland law raise questions on wording

Moves to remove gay panic from Queensland law raise questions on wording

Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth says they are concerned with the wording which removes the sexual advance defense, other than in exceptional circumstances. The homosexual advance defense, has been used by people accused of murder to claim they were provoked by an unwanted sexual advance. Queensland and South Australia are the only  states to still have the partial defense […]

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