Author Archives: andrew

Will the legal system learn from Folbigg, have the guts for reform?

Posted on December 21, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. The question of the title is posed without optimism. The legal system has no proud history of reform. All three past Attorneys-General have ignored or rebuffed calls for a Criminal Cases Review Commission network in Australia. Kathleen … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 17 Kathleen Folbigg, CCRC, Forensic evidence | 5 Comments

Genuine rape victims betrayed by unsubstantiated claims

Posted on December 17, 2023 by andrew

As Bruce Lehrmann’s contentious rape defamation trial of TEN and The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson enters its final week, the whole subject of sexual assault allegations and the law are in the spotlight.

Posted in Case 18 Bruce Lehrmann, General articles | 4 Comments

Neither High Court nor juries guarantee fair trials

Posted on December 17, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. On reading the story of the High Court’s refusal to grant leave to Derek Bromley’s appeal, reader Peter Gill writes: “Reminds me of this article about the High Court’s disgraceful 3-2 stuff-up in the Lindy Chamberlain High … Continue reading →

Posted in General articles | 3 Comments

Bromley – “extraordinary judgement” but still a way forward

Posted on December 15, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. The High Court’s unexpected decision to refuse Derek Bromley leave to appeal his murder conviction yesterday drew a considered response from Flinders University legal academic Dr Bob Moles … and perhaps a way forward to another appeal.

Posted in Case 05 Derek Bromley | 9 Comments

Folbigg’s four baby deaths convictions quashed on Appeal

Posted on December 14, 2023 by andrew

After a month of deliberation the NSW Appeal court has quashed Kathleen Folbigg’s convictions for three counts of murder, one count of manslaughter, and one count of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm. She has spent 20 years in jail and … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 17 Kathleen Folbigg | 3 Comments

High Court split decision against Bromley appeal

Posted on December 14, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. In a cruel blow that is bound to raise legal eyebrows, Derek Bromley’s appeal against his conviction for the 1984 murder of Stephen Docoza has failed in a 3:2 decision by the High Court yesterday, rejecting submissions … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 05 Derek Bromley | 1 Comment

Will High Court grant Derek Bromley special leave to appeal?

Posted on December 10, 2023 by andrew

The decision on Derek Bromley’s application seeking leave to appeal to the High Court will be announced on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, seven months after it was put before the court. 

Posted in Case 05 Derek Bromley | 3 Comments

Lehrmann v TEN & Wilkinson – a most consequential trial

Posted on December 3, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. It began on November 22, 2023 and will continue for another fortnight from December 5, 2023: the defamation trial in which the respondents (TEN & Lisa Wilkinson) are trying to prove to the court that Bruce Lehrmann … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 18 Bruce Lehrmann | 6 Comments

Convictions that changed our world

Posted on November 21, 2023 by andrew

One of the two most recent “convictions” that have changed our world by triggering violent responses was that Israel had targeted a Gaza hospital as part of its response to the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023. The other was … Continue reading →

Posted in General articles | 12 Comments

Tasmania: new Sheriff, same old cover up

Posted on November 15, 2023 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban There is a new sheriff in Hobart town: Attorney-General Guy Barnett was appointed (in turbulent circumstances) to succeed Elise Archer in October 2023. But after years of stonewalling on calls for an inquiry into the murder conviction … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 01 Sue Neill-Fraser | 31 Comments