Dr Robert Cavanagh
BA, LittB, LLB, LLM, PhD
Areas of Interest
- Coronial Law
- Anti-terrorism Law
- Human RIghts
- Criminal Law
- Fundamental Legal RIghts
Biography
Dr Cavanagh has practiced as a barrister since 1985 and worked predominantly in the areas of coronial and criminal law in Australia. He has completed post graduate research in coronial law and practice, anti-terrorism laws, human rights, and fundamental legal rights.
His career interests have focussed on the importance of human rights and assisting both people and systems in areas of need. These interests have seen him carry on a wide array of activities including instructing for veterans at the Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia, appearing for the Committee to Defend Black Rights and families at the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Senior Public Defender Solomon Island, advising for aid agencies on legal issues in East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe, senior lecturer in law.
Evidence Excluding Smothering
The most important requirement in all criminal trials is that the onus of establishing guilt is to the standard of beyond reasonable doubt. This standard of proof stays immovably with the prosecution throughout a trial. In Kathleen Folbigg’s case an essential element that needed to be proved beyond reasonable doubt was that she intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm to her children.
The prosecution said that she smothered them, but failed to prove this was the case.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Meaning
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.
Grounds and Submissions Supporting Pardon Petition Kathleen Folbigg
Read the complete copy of the grounds and submissions supporting the pardon petition for Kathleen Folbigg
Coroners in Australia
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.
WWI, WWII and the Origin of Internal Security Agencies
Internal security has been a focus of governance for as long as civilisation has focused on maintaining power. WWI and WWII brought an explosion of interest in internal security agencies, and along with it, rising costs and reduced legal rights.
Growth of Restrictions on Fundamental Legal Rights since 2001
September 11 heralded many changes across the world. In Australia, one of those changes was a move toward greater restrictions on fundamental legal rights. This article explores some of those changes.
Education & Court Admissions
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Serious Results
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Attorneys
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Karin Burrows
Founding Partner
William Laboy
Co-Managing Partner
Paul Hoff
Co-Managing Partner
Louise Andre
Senior Partner
Jackie Davis
Partner
Clifford Griffith
Lawyer
Eduardo Brewer
Lawyer
