NSW Criminal Law: Justice System Topics and Key Cases

International crime

1. Domestic responses

2. Transnational measures

3. International crimes / ICC

4. Extradition

Young offenders

1. Age of criminal responsibility

2. Rights during arrest and questioning

3. Alternatives to court and imprisonment

Sentencing and punishment

1. Sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion

2. Post-sentencing considerations

3. Alternative sentencing

Criminal trial process

1. Adversary system and representation

2. Defences to criminal charges

3. Juries

Criminal investigation

1. Police powers

2. Detention and evidence gathering

3. Bail and remand

Discretion

1. Parole

2. Fairness in reaching verdicts

3. Police discretion

Role of courts

1. Mental impairment

2. Juries

3. Alternative sentencing

Post-sentencing considerations

1. Parole — Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 (NSW); Crump v NSW (2012); BOCSAR parole-supervision study (2022).

2. Continuing restrictions — Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 (NSW); Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000 (NSW); ABC News — Graham Kay (2025).

Defences to criminal charges

1. Self-defence — Crimes Amendment (Self-defence) Act 2001 (NSW); ABC News — Lena Kasparian (2012).

2. Duress — The King v Anna Rowan (2024).

3. Mental impairment — Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW); R v Waterlow (2011); R v Kirkman (2019).

Juries

1. Juror misconduct — s68C Jury Act 1977 (NSW); R v Skaf (2004); The Guardian — Bruce Lehrmann (2022).

2. Fairness in reaching verdicts — Jury Act 1977 (NSW); Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW); Cheatle v The Queen (1993).