Two jailed for Contempt of Federal Magistrates Court

The Federal Magistrates Court descended into farce last week , resulting in the jailing of a member of the public gallery who had sworn a contemptuous affidavit, and a self-represented litigant, who was in custody from Wednesday lunchtime. Surprisingly, the case was not about family law, which comprises the bulk of the work of that… Read More »Custom Single Post Header

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Two jailed for Contempt of Federal Magistrates Court

The Federal Magistrates Court descended into farce last week
, resulting in the jailing of a member of the public gallery who had sworn a contemptuous affidavit, and a self-represented litigant, who was in custody from Wednesday lunchtime.

Surprisingly, the case was not about family law, which comprises the bulk of the work of that court, but to do with a costs order arising from an unsuccessful attempt at a political career.

On Friday the litigant, Lesley Alexandra Noah was released from prison on the basis of three undertakings that she gave to the court: to be of good behaviour in court, to appear in court on the further hearing of the matter and (without any admission) not to harass a former Australian Electoral Commission official. The matter is next before the court in September.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

Forced Marriage

On November 1st 2023, Accredited Family Law Specialist and Page Provan Director Stephen Page presented a paper at the Brisbane Zonta Club about forced marriage. I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, on whose lands we meet today, their elders, past, present and emerging. Ruqia Hidari was aged 21 and living in Victoria, when, according to police,… Read More »Forced Marriage

ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

The ACT Government has today introduced a bill to amend the ACT’s surrogacy laws. The proposed changes are more incremental than fundamental. They include allowing a single person to undertake surrogacy, for the surrogate to be single if needed, a requirement for legal advice and counselling beforehand, a written agreement being required, that traditional surrogacy is… Read More »ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

Planning to resolve: ADR in ART

ADR can help resolve disputes in ART cases. ADR is not limited to mediation and arbitration. Other types of informal dispute resolution can resolve disputes. When assisted reproductive treatment cases go off the rails, they can have the next level of bitterness and volatility. There can be a keen sense of betrayal when things don’t… Read More »Planning to resolve: ADR in ART