December 6, 2025
Legal Hypothetical: Alleged financial elder abuse
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: Alleged financial elder abuse

SAM makes an enduring power of attorney (POA), appointing his two children as his attorneys. The appointment is drafted and witnessed by a solicitor. Sam’s children later sign their acceptances of the role and in doing so, declare that they will act in Sam’s best interests. The POA allows either of Sam’s children to immediately […]

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OPINION: Reflections on the 1975 constitutional crisis
Opinion

OPINION: Reflections on the 1975 constitutional crisis

THE dismissal of the Whitlam Government in November 1975 highlighted the fragility of our parliamentary and constitutional system and the danger that, if the various constitutional norms that protect that system are ignored, the democratic system itself can be weakened. The real villains in the whole affair were two State Premiers who went against a […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I’VE started going to a gym and there’s a man there that leaves various personal items on the equipment I want to use. His drink bottle is on one, his towel is on another and then he leaves his backpack on a third machine. What is the gym etiquette around this?  I only […]

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Legal Hypothetical: Two heads not always better than one
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: Two heads not always better than one

JACK passed away in November 2023. He appointed his two sons as executors of his estate. Jack was also survived by a daughter and his estate is to be equally divided between his three children. Despite the expiry of 18 months after Jack’s death, his daughter is concerned that no steps have been taken to […]

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Legal Hypothetical: Go for wool and come home shorn
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: Go for wool and come home shorn

HARRY makes a will, leaving 50 percent of his estate to his eldest son, Steven. His other son, Robert receives just 15 percent and the rest of the estate is to be distributed amongst other family members and friends. When Harry passes away three years later, his estate is valued at $3 million. After Harry’s […]

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