
Law Report
From courtroom dramas to miscarriages of justice, to how the law affects you — and so much more. The Law Report is your accessible guide to the big legal stories unfolding in Australia and across the world.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2024 • 29min
How does a judge know if an offender is truly sorry?
When calculating a sentence, a judge weighs up many considerations, including remorse. But is it really possible to determine if an offender is genuinely sorry?

Jul 9, 2024 • 29min
Children and medical consent
In a dispute over the medical treatment of a gravely sick child, who gets the ultimate say? Three recent court rulings in New South Wales deal with this profoundly difficult issue.

Jul 2, 2024 • 29min
A deep dive into diplomatic immunity
David Hillard, a pro bono partner at Clayton Utz, represents victims of employment breaches, while Andrew Denny leads the UK Public Law Practice at A&O Sherman and advocates for Harry Dunn's family. They explore the intricate realities of diplomatic immunity, discussing its impact on international relations. Cases such as the exploitation of domestic workers and the fallout from careless diplomatic actions are highlighted. The conversation also delves into the legal complexities surrounding embassies, accountability, and evolving definitions of diplomatic protections.

Jun 25, 2024 • 28min
Should foreign judges sit on Hong Kong's highest court? Anti-discrimination laws in religious schools
Exploring the presence of foreign judges in Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, focusing on recent resignations of British judges and the debate over Australian judges. Delving into the complexities of anti-discrimination laws in religious schools, including preferential employment based on religion and recommendations for removal of exceptions.

Jun 18, 2024 • 29min
How stressful is it to be a judge or magistrate?
Exploration of the impact of heavy workloads on judges and magistrates' well-being and the quality of justice. Discusses challenges in handling family violence cases, impact on efficiency and quality of justice, and distress from resource limitations. Explores psychological health, coping mechanisms, and emotional toll of decision reversals on self-esteem and morale. Highlights judges' perspectives on oversight, support, stigma around seeking help, and the importance of mental health initiatives.

Jun 11, 2024 • 29min
Protecting First Nations sacred sites: are Australian laws fit for the task?
Traditional owners have welcomed an announcement by Parks Australia that it would plead guilty to damaging a sacred site at Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National park. The move follows a landmark High Court decision which found that statutory bodies can be held criminally liable for damaging cultural sites.

Jun 5, 2024 • 12min
BAD NEIGHBOURS S2 E5 | Fences
Explore legal aspects of fence disputes and boundary conflicts, including cases of neighbor disagreements over fence type and color. Discover the complexities of boundary disputes and legal battles over tiny strips of land, and learn the importance of communication and compromise in resolving neighborly conflicts to avoid costly legal confrontations.

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
Trump's legal woes; Bad Neighbours: fences
What are Donald Trump's legal options after the former US president was found guilty of falsifying business records in the 'hush money' trial?

May 29, 2024 • 12min
BAD NEIGHBOURS S2 E4 | Cars and apartments
From abandoned cars to electric vehicle charging, the Law Report shifts gears on your rights and responsibilities when it comes to cars in strata blocks.

May 28, 2024 • 29min
Can X be held liable for publishing hate speech in Australia? Bad Neighbours: cars & apartments
In a legal first, a Queensland tribunal finds the social media platform formerly known as Twitter can be held liable for hate speech published on the site. Can a victim of road rage claim workers compensation? And the Law Report drives around the frustrations of cars in apartment blocks.
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