News 2
Being Online: Social Media, Criminal Charges & Defamation
A topic that always comes up in the press – since the rise of social media – is the ease, ability and overall willingness by people to publish whatever they are feeling. Social media sites are a forum that people can share their lives and thoughts, and in some cases make comments that they might not make in other circumstances that amount to defamation.
When Does Online Bullying Become Defamation?
Online bullying has gone viral and many experience defamation, but few know their legal position or ways to effectively manage it. If a photo or statement has been published, whether in print or online, or a nasty email about you has been sent out to your work colleagues, you may feel as though there is nothing you can do. However, if the published material harms your reputation or causes hatred and ridicule, you may have a right to sue for defamation.
Avoid The Pitfall Of Buying Houses With Unapproved Structures Or Improvements
Often we see buyers enter into contracts to purchase property and later discover the lack of council approval for the building and/or any improvement done on the property. What does this mean for the buyer?
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 12
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 12 has been released.
Recent Changes To Domestic Violence Laws: What Does It Really Mean?
Recently, the Queensland Government enacted new legislation resulting in some significant changes to the domestic violence laws in Queensland. The Criminal Law (Domestic Violence) Amendment Act 2015 was passed on 15 October 2015.
Passing The Post-silly Season Test
As the silly season draws to a close quite a lot of people may be regretting having said something at the Christmas party or committing some other indiscretion as a result of imbibing the spirits of Christmas. Quite a few driver’s will be left with a more serious problem; a drink driving charge.
Another Lesson To Protect Your Interest In Leased Equipment: Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth)
The recent decision of the New South Wales Supreme Court in Forge Group Power Pty Limited (in liquidation) (receivers and managers appointed) v General Electric International Inc. [2016] NSWSC 52 is a reminder of the importance of registering (or perfecting in another way) your interest in personal property. The case is a harsh reminder for businesses to comply with the registration requirements of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (“PPSA”), in order to protect their business’s interests.
Typographical Errors In A Will
The issue sometimes arises that a clerical error made in a will has a significant impact on the interpretation of the will and on whether the will is valid.
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 11
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 11 has been released.
Basic Concepts For Community Management Schemes
With the recent surge in apartment building and the increasing the demand for mature-age lifestyle communities, more and more land in Queensland is being held and managed by community management schemes. This article provides a brief overview of the parts that make up a basic community management scheme and how they work together for the benefit of Lot Owners.
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 10
QSLAW Quarterly: Issue 10 has been released.
Ambiguous Gifts In A Will
A clause in a homemade will can appear crystal clear to the person writing the will, yet it can be very ambiguous to another person reading it after the will-maker has died. The proliferation of homemade wills has caused a substantial increase in the number of applications to the Supreme Court of Queensland to construe (interpret) unclear will clauses. Many people think making a homemade will saves money, but the reality is often quite the contrary. Frequently the words used by the will-maker are not clear and it is necessary to ask the court to interpret the will.