A copy of the Royal Commission Report is available below. You will need to download it and read the pdf file.
Royal Commission of Inquiry into Chamberlain Convictions, Report, Commonwealth Parliamentary Papers (1987), volume 15, paper 192
Table of Contents Sue Higginson, a member of the NSW Parliament for the Greens, has called on the Attorney General, the Hon. Michael Daley and the Premier, to ensure the immediate release of Kathleen Folbigg. Ms Higginson points out that…
In February 2025, the SA Law Society held their annual conference. Dr Cavanagh presented a video presentation about the Prerogrative of Mercy for the attendees. You can watch the presentation below. https://youtu.be/XF1APjm23DI
Probably the most infamous case in Australia, certainly the case that has received the most publicity, which revealed the fragility of the criminal justice system, is the Chamberlain case. On 17 August 1980 Azaria Chamberlain went missing from a camp…
The media has followed the case since its inception. While the earlier reports were demonising, the later scientific evidence has raised the obvious question – did the court get it wrong? This question is not only raised in the Australian…
Finding out why a person has died, described in modern times as finding the ‘manner and cause’ of death has been the role of a coroner at least since the thirteenth century.
Their role has changed in the last century, with a greater focus on the growing relevance of death prevention and coronial recommendations. Governments have found this role particularly uncomfortable because it can expose obvious failures and require reform of systems.
The criminal justice system cannot function to allow fair trials unless those deciding whether an offence has been committed understand that they need to apply the highest standard of proof when considering the evidence presented to them.
This article explores issues beyond reasonable doubt to provide insight for those in the legal profession and members of the public.