Civil Law

Significant changes to sentencing of OHS offences recommended

Following more than 12 months of analysis and consultation, the Sentencing Advisory Council (Council) has released its final report into Sentencing Occupational Health and Safety Offences in Victoria (Report) on 26 February 2025.

The Council concluded that:

  • many fines go unpaid, particularly for companies that have been deregistered;
  • sentencing outcomes other than fines are rarely used, but have great potential to improve safety practices;
  • fines that are imposed are often out of step with community expectations; and
  • people affected by
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Criminal Law

Biden Pardons Thousands Convicted of Non-Violent Drug Offences

President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia and granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, Zeke Miller reports for the Associated Press. The pardon builds on his categorical pardon issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that made thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for … Read the rest