Sickerdick Informant v Ashton [1918] HCA 54

Sickerdick Informant v Ashton [1918] HCA 54

Statements in the pamphlet, when read fairly, were likely to prejudice recruiting of His Majesty's Forces, and regulation 28 of the War Precautions Regulations was legally valid under both the Act and the Constitution.

Parties
Appellant: Frederick William Sickerdick; Respondent: John Ashton
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
26 September 1918
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Decision on Appeal From Dismissal of Information by Court of Petty Sessions
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Defence Power, Ultra Vires, War Precautions Acts, Regulations Affecting Recruiting

Case Brief

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Parties

Frederick William Sickerdick

Appellant

John Ashton

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Decision on Appeal From Dismissal of Information by Court of Petty Sessions

  1. 1 Whether reg. 28 of War Precautions Regulations 1915 is within the power conferred by sec. 4 of War Precautions Act 1914-1916
  2. 2 Whether the War Precautions Act 1914-1916 is within the power conferred by sec. 51(vi) of the Constitution
  3. 3 Whether the pamphlet printed contained statements likely to prejudice the recruiting of His Majesty's Forces

Ratio Decidendi

Statements in the pamphlet, when read fairly, were likely to prejudice recruiting of His Majesty's Forces, and regulation 28 of the War Precautions Regulations was legally valid under both the Act and the Constitution.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Order of dismissal discharged
  • Case remitted to Court of Petty Sessions to be dealt with in accordance with judgment of this Court