Diet Federalism: First Territory Senators' Case - The right to representation
The NT and ACT won representation in the Senate before being given self-government.
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LATEST NEWS
Oct 9
Diet Federalism: A constitutional right to ignore the rule of law?
Since 1915, the territories have been denied the constitutional right to trial by jury.
Sep 24
Diet Federalism: Are the territories an afterthought?
Australia’s territories sit at the bottom of the federal pyramid of Australian governments.
May 11
High court dismisses Iranian immigration detainee's bid for freedom
The High Court has dismissed an Iranian man’s bid for freedom from immigration detention The detainee argued a previous decision it was...
Dec 31, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #84: Reflections and predictions - 2023 edition
Some of the most topical legal issues going into 2024.
Dec 23, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #83: Cases we missed in 2023
Wrapping up the year that was in law and government coverage on 6 News.
Nov 19, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #78: Government overhauls indefinite detention after High Court ruling
A second High Court migration case in as many weeks sends the government back to the drawing board.
Nov 4, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #76: High Court farewells its first female Chief Justice
Final High Court judgments involving Chief Justice Susan Kiefel have been handed down.
Oct 22, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #74: High Court overturns Victorian tax on electric vehicles
The High Court paves the way for a federal fuel excise for electric vehicles.
Oct 7, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #72: The Voice, Treaties and the assumption of Sovereignty
Without the involvement of international law, the question of Australian sovereignty cannot be challenged.
Aug 27, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #66: Another year, another High Court appointment
Justice Beech-Jones will be the 4th judge appointed in as many years.
Aug 19, 2023
Commonwealth Knowledge #65: RSPCA advised lawsuit over greyhounds being kicked and beaten 'unlikely'
Although the RSPCA has been given advice that a criminal case would be unlikely to succeed, this is not certain.
Jul 23, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #61: Social Security and Equality
New court discussion on the right to social security in Australia.
Jul 16, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #60: Is the pension age racist?
Aboriginal man Dennis Fisher unsuccessfully challenged the pension age by relying on his shorter life expectancy.
Jun 17, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #56: Queensland youth justice system examined by High Court
High Court upholds Queensland legislation that treats adult and child guilty verdicts differently.
Jun 10, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #55: Report into Esther Foundation finds $4 million grant 'likely unlawful'
A $4 million grant given to a rehab facility by the Commonwealth government in 2019 likely lacked legal authority.
Apr 25, 2023
ANALYSIS: Fair trial and the right to legal representation
Although often taken for granted, the right to legal representation is a relatively new right in Australia.
Apr 15, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #47: The Statute of Westminster
The history of how Australia achieved true independence from the U.K.
Apr 14, 2023
The Franklin Dam controversy: When politics meets the law
How Australia’s treaty obligations can change Australian law.
Apr 7, 2023
Common(wealth) Knowledge #46: Australian law and the best interests of children
International treaties signed by the Australian government can influence Australian law.
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