Articles
The latest news and developments in Queensland criminal law and practice.
Understanding Jack’s Law: How Queensland Is Strengthening Youth Safety
7 December 2025
9 minute read
Learn how Queensland’s Jack’s Law is transforming youth safety by empowering police with new knife-detection powers. Understand what the law means, why it was introduced, and its impact on community protection.
Queensland Introduces Daniel’s Law: A Three-Tier Public Offender Register to Enhance Child Protection
7 October 2025
12 minute read
Queensland enacts Daniel’s Law, launching a three-tier public offender registry to improve child protection and community safety. Learn what this means for parents and the public.
Exceptional circumstances and recorded convictions in CEM cases
9 April 2024
7 minute read
The Court of Appeal has recently considered exceptional circumstances in a CEM case, and whether a conviction should be recorded.
Drug and Alcohol Diversion in Queensland
14 March 2024
6 minute read
For anyone charged with drug or alcohol related offences in Queensland, drug diversion and DAAR programs can be a way to avoid convictions and safeguard your future.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Australia
13 March 2024
4 minute read
The High Court of Australia has just confirmed the law with respect to mandatory minimum sentences in Australia, and how sentences should be calculated.
New changes to reportable offender obligations in Queensland
9 May 2023
3 minute read
Queensland has just passed new laws targeting reportable offenders, increasing minimum reporting periods and expanding police powers.
The Law On Medicinal Cannabis in Queensland
8 April 2023
3 minute read
Recent changes to the law have made it legal for doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Queensland. We break down the legalities of accessing cannabis for medical treatment.
Relaxed Drug Possession Laws in Queensland
22 February 2023
2 minute read
A new ‘three strike system’ has just been introduced to decriminalise personal possession of most illegal drugs and utensils in Queensland.
Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland
20 September 2021
3 minute read
In keeping with the times, the Queensland Government has finally legalised euthanasia through the introduction of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (2021), which comes into effect from 1 January 2023.
Federal government granted unprecedented access to your online accounts
4 September 2021
5 minute read
In a move that would fit perfectly in George Orwell’s classic novel, 1984, the Federal Government has just passed legislation which grants police access to your computer and online accounts, with power to copy, modify or delete data as they wish. Worried?
What does it mean to be a reportable offender in Queensland?
3 August 2021
10 minute read
Following conviction for a sexual offence against a child, or a CEM offence, the Queensland government requires offenders to report their personal details. This is often referred to as being on the sex offenders register. Read on as we take a deep dive into the law and explain what it all means.
Child pornography (CEM) — the new offences and changes to sentencing
30 September 2020
8 minute read
Recent changes to the law have led to the creation of two new offences relating to child abuse objects, as well as a tougher sentencing regime requiring exceptional circumstances to stay out of jail.
Mistake of fact: consent laws in Queensland
18 August 2020
16 minute read
The excuse of mistake of fact in sexual assault and rape cases has recently come under fire by academics and non-lawyers, with some calling it an archaic “legal loophole”. Calls for the excuse to be abolished or heavily modified have resulted in an intensive review by the Queensland Law Reform Commission, which recently published its findings.
Can you be charged for transmitting COVID-19?
15 May 2020
3 minute read
A number of reports have surfaced of people spitting on others, which gives rise to the question: can you be charged for transmitting COVID-19?
Is failing to vote because of COVID-19 a valid and sufficient excuse?
28 March 2020
2 minute read
COVID-19 used to be a pretty good excuse not to vote, but is that still the case?
How can you represent a guilty person?
18 February 2020
6 minute read
How can you represent a guilty person? What about if they told you that they did it? And what if you know they’re guilty? Find out here.