Archive for April 2017
CRIMINAL LAW: WHAT IS A PSYCHIC ASSAULT?
Most people think that the term “assault” means being physically injured or hurt in some way by another person. But did you know that you can be assaulted without even being touched? This is sometimes known as “psychic assault,” but no superpowers are necessary to commit the crime. This issue was recently considered in a…
Read MoreSAY FAREWELL TO 457 MIGRATION VISAS
It was a recent announcement that surprised many: the Australian Government’s declaration that it will abolish the 457 skilled migration visa. As a temporary visa, it had been used by thousands of people wanting to migrate to Australia, but now it is to be replaced. 457 migration visa The 457 visa is a temporary work…
Read MoreVISA CANCELLATION ON CHARACTER GROUNDS: CAN IT BE CHALLENGED?
When a man’s temporary migration visa was cancelled because of his substantial criminal record including domestic violence, he took his case to the Federal Court to have the decision overturned. It raised some interesting questions about what the Australian Government takes into account when deciding to cancel a migration visa and whether anything can be…
Read MoreWORKER’S COMPENSATION: EMPLOYMENT AND PSYCHIATRIC INJURY
When a person’s employment causes them to suffer a psychiatric injury such as depression, the question of whether they are entitled to worker’s compensation is not always straightforward. Changes in workers compensation laws as well as the interaction of industrial law issues all combine to make this a difficult area, especially if you don’t have…
Read MoreDIY WILLS: ARE THEY REALLY CHEAPER AND EASIER?
Will kits, do-it-yourself wills, home-made wills. Whatever you call them, they’re often a topic of controversy. Why? Because if they’re not made and executed correctly, a huge amount of time and money may be required to sort things out after you’ve shuffled off this mortal coil. This issue was illustrated by a recent decision of…
Read MoreCRIMINAL LAW: I’VE BEEN ARRESTED. NOW WHAT?
Being arrested can be stressful and frightening. If you don’t understand what’s going on, it can be even more difficult. The key to handling the situation is to remain calm and behave in a polite and cooperative manner. And there’s no doubt that it also helps to know your rights. Are you actually under arrest?…
Read MoreWHEN CAN AN INTERVENTION ORDER BE VARIED OR REVOKED?
A man agreed to a final intervention order in exchange for the criminal charges against him being dropped. But when he later tried to have the order revoked, he found himself in significant difficulty. This case is a useful reminder to tread very carefully before agreeing to a final intervention order, especially in family law…
Read MoreCAN YOU CHALLENGE A WILL IF IT’S NOT WHAT YOU WERE EXPECTING?
When a woman was unhappy with the proposed distribution of her late Aunt’s estate, she took legal action to have the will changed. She claimed that there were suspicious circumstances surrounding how the will was made. This case sheds some light on the circumstances in which a will may be changed if someone objects to…
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