Crimes Act 1914
Simplified outline of operation of Part
This Part provides for forensic procedures to be carried out on:
If the carrying out of a forensic procedure is authorised under this Part, it must be carried out in accordance with rules and procedures set out in Division 6 .
If a forensic procedure covered by this Part is carried out without proper authority under this Part, evidence obtained through the procedure may be inadmissible in proceedings against the suspect (Division 7 ).
However, certain rules are modified or do not apply if the forensic procedure is carried out in response to a request by a foreign country or an international tribunal, or a request by a foreign law enforcement agency (Division 9A ).
This Part also:
A person is authorised to carry out a forensic procedure on a suspect with the informed consent of the suspect. The person is authorised to carry out the procedure in accordance with Division 6 and not otherwise.
(2)
This Division does not authorise the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a suspect who is:
(a) a child; or
(b) an incapable person.
(3)
This Division does not authorise keeping a suspect in custody, in order to carry out a forensic procedure, after the expiration of the investigation period provided for by Part IC .
Note:
If it is necessary to keep a suspect in custody after the expiration of the Part IC investigation period in order to carry out a forensic procedure, an order of a magistrate under Division 5 will have to be obtained to authorise this.
(4)
Nothing in this Part or Part IC prevents the carrying out of a forensic procedure, with the informed consent of the suspect, during the investigation period provided for by Part IC . However, neither carrying out the forensic procedure, nor any delay associated with carrying out the forensic procedure, operates to extend the investigation period provided for by Part IC .
Note:
By contrast, the carrying out of a forensic procedure in accordance with a magistrate's order under Division 5 , and associated delays, may delay the expiration of the investigation period provided for by Part IC .
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