The Tampa decision : refugee rights versus the executive's power to detain and expel unlawful non-citizens

In Ruddock and Others v Vadarlis and Others the Federal Court had to balance two fundamental but competing rights, the right of the state to secure its frontiers and the rights of individuals not to be subjected to unlawful detention - Court's task was hampered by intense public debate over the illegal refugee crisis - in the wake of 11 September 2001 and the Tampa crisis, the Federal Government has rushed through several amendments to migration laws and border protection legislation.

McCabe v Goliath: The case against British American tobacco Australia Services Ltd

Significance of the decision in McCabe v British American Tobacco Australia Services Ltd - ramifications for the possibilities for success of future litigation of this nature in Australia and overseas - ethical and public policy issues regarding the duties of lawyers to the courts and to their clients - whilst a lawyer's implication in the destruction of documents to prevent a fair trial ultimately involves stricter duties, it exposes a need for vigilance against the possibilities for corporations to act outside the public interest, if not the justice system.

Ali v Hartley Poynton Limited

The decision in Ali v Hartley Poynton Limited has significant implications for the stockbroking industry and investment advisors - likely to encourage brokers to adopt a more cautious understanding of their obligations to clients - illustrates the ability and willingness of small investors to challenge the quality of service being provided by their stockbroker.

Re McBain; ex parte Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

The case of Re McBain; ex parte Australian Catholic Bishops Conference sought to make an order under s 76 of the Constitution that the decision of the Federal Court was incorrect in law - decision was made on the basis of constitutional and procedural issues - High Court consolidated the definition of 'matter' in sections 75 and 76 of the Constitution - writ of certiorari considered - role of the Attorney-General in proceedings in which he had granted a fiat - case reiterated the role of the judiciary in Australia.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation v Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd

Principle issues considered in Australian Broadcasting Corporation v Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd - whether it was necessary to show a cause of action for an interlocutory injunction to be granted - whether a right to privacy existed - whether the ABC was protected in this case by an implied constitutional freedom - majority rejected a wide interpretation on grounds upon which an interlocutory injunction could be granted - recognition of the possibility of a tort of invasion of privacy under Australian law by five of the six judges.