Criminal Law

How can an Intervention Order protect victims of abuse, and what are the consequences for breaches?
May 2, 2023
Under South Australian law, the Courts can take action against a person who causes fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. The Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 (SA) (the “Act”) identifies abuse in all its forms including: physical, emotional or psychological harm; denial of financial, social, or personal autonomy; property damage; and technology-facilitated stalking […]
Read the Article
The use of colloquial Aussie language could constitute threatening behaviour
May 13, 2022
An Adelaide man recently lost a Supreme Court appeal against an Intervention Order placed upon him by the District Court of South Australia. The Intervention Order came about after the gentleman sent his former lawyer a series of threatening emails and letters peppered with Aussie colloquialisms that were taken as direct threats. In one such […]
Read the Article
Getting a fair trial in criminal law proceedings is a fundamental right under Australia's common law system
June 18, 2021
In Australia, the right to a fair and public criminal trial is a guaranteed right to all parties. Fair trial and fair hearing rights include: That all persons are equal before courts; and The right to a fair and public hearing before a competent, independent, and impartial court established by law. Australia is committed to […]
Read the Article
Giving evidence in a court of law is a serious undertaking. Here are the key considerations.
May 14, 2021
If you have received a summons or subpoena to appear as a witness in a criminal or civil trial, then you are required to attend court. If you do not attend court at the listed date and time and without a reasonable excuse, then you may be charged with contempt of court or a warrant […]
Read the Article
Fines for breaching fishing quotas will catch offending anglers - hook, line and sinker
March 5, 2021
Harsher penalties for breaching fishing quotas will have anglers thinking twice about breaking the rules.  Seafood sustainability is a hot topic and after years of lobbying from both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, fines for rogue South Australian anglers are set to increase in March 2021. The announcement by the state government follows a […]
Read the Article
Graffiti vandals face significant penalties in a bid to discourage property damage
January 15, 2021
Graffiti is the act of defacing private or public property, including buildings, fences, pathways, public transport and other infrastructure, without the owner’s or state or local government authority’s permission. Graffiti includes writing, drawing, marking or tagging, scratching or etching and even includes putting up posters without consent. Graffiti is against the law and penalties are […]
Read the Article
1 2 3
Logo of Scammell & Co Lawyers, a legal firm in Adelaide
ABN 19 668 739 151
Copyright 2025 Scammell & Co. Lawyers Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.