From the article: The High Court in Canberra has upheld the New South Wales anti-consorting laws, which make it an offence for convicted criminals to repeatedly associate with each other. Three men who were charged under the laws mounted the challenge on the grounds that they infringed the implied right to freedom of association in the constitution and that they were at odds with Australias international obligations. The laws were set up in 2012 to target bike gangs and the NSW Government argued they served a legitimate end. Today the court found the laws are valid and there is no such right to freedom of association. It also found that although the laws do impinge on the freedom of political communication, in this case they are an appropriate measure in the prevention of crime. The court also dismissed claims the laws were at odds with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights because that was not in Commonwealth legislation. The New South Wales Government said it was always confident the laws would hold up to the High Courts scrutiny. It is not surprising that criminals dont like the laws and wanted them overturned, but todays decision in the High Court ensures they are here to stay, Attorney-General Brad Hazzard said. The anti-consorting laws give police the powers they need to disrupt and dismantle criminal organisations, including outlaw motorcycle gangs. The laws carry maximum penalties of three years in jail and a $16,500 fine for people who repeatedly consort with convicted offenders after being warned by police. ... abc.net.au/news/2014-10-08/high-court-ruling-upholds-nsw-consorting-laws/5797786
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 05:14:14 +0000
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