Stephens v The QueenCitation:[2022] HCA 31Before:Keane, Gordon, Edelman, Steward, Gleeson JJDate:07 Sep 2022Case Number:S53/2022Read more

Stephens v The QueenCitation:[2022] HCA 31Before:Keane, Gordon, Edelman, Steward, Gleeson JJDate:07 Sep 2022Case Number:S53/2022Read more

Section 80AF of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) may apply to ongoing proceedings, including after the commencement of trial, where the legislative text and context indicate such intention, and the presumption against retrospective operation is displaced.

Parties
Appellant: Appellant; Respondent: Crown
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
07 September 2022
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Retrospective Operation of Statutes, Amendment of Indictment

Case Brief

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Parties

Appellant

Appellant

Crown

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether section 80AF of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) could apply after an accused's trial had commenced
  2. 2 Whether the presumption against retrospective operation precluded the application of s 80AF to ongoing proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

Section 80AF of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) may apply to ongoing proceedings, including after the commencement of trial, where the legislative text and context indicate such intention, and the presumption against retrospective operation is displaced.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Section 80AF applies to ongoing proceedings, including after trial commencement.
  • Leave to amend the indictment was properly granted.