Crimes Act 1914

Part ID - Forensic procedures  

Simplified outline of operation of Part

This Part provides for forensic procedures to be carried out on:

  • • suspects in relation to indictable offences (Divisions 3 , 4 and 5 ); and
  • • offenders in relation to prescribed and serious offences (Division 6A ); and
  • • volunteers (Division 6B ).
  • 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:

  • • contains offences in relation to the Commonwealth DNA database system and the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database ( NCIDD ) (Division 8A ); and
  • • provides for the whole or a part of the Commonwealth DNA database system to be integrated with the whole or a part of one ore more State/Territory DNA database systems to form part of NCIDD (Division 8A ); and
  • • provides for the exchange of information in the Commonwealth DNA database system or a State/Territory DNA database system and the protection of the information that is exchanged (Division 11 ); and
  • • provides for the destruction of forensic material (Division 8 ).
  • Division 5 - Forensic procedures on suspect by order of a magistrate  

    Subdivision B - Final orders  

    SECTION 23WX   Procedure at hearing of application for order  

    (1)    
    An order may only be made in the presence of the suspect concerned, subject to any contrary order made by the magistrate.

    (2)    
    A suspect who is:


    (a) a child; or


    (b) an incapable person;

    must be represented by an interview friend and may also be represented by a legal practitioner.


    (3)    
    If the applicant believes on reasonable grounds that the suspect is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander not covered by subsection (2), the suspect must be represented by an interview friend and may also be represented by a legal practitioner.

    (4)    
    Subsection (3) does not apply if the applicant believes on reasonable grounds that, having regard to the suspect's level of education and understanding, the suspect is not at a disadvantage in relation to the hearing by comparison with members of the Australian community generally.

    (5)    
    Any other suspect (including a suspect covered by subsection (4)) may be represented by a legal practitioner.

    (6)    


    The suspect or his or her representative:


    (a) may call or cross-examine the applicant for the order; and


    (b) may, with the leave of the magistrate, call or cross-examine any other witnesses; and


    (c) may address the magistrate.


    (6A)    


    A magistrate must not give leave under paragraph (6)(b) unless the magistrate is of the opinion that there are substantial reasons why, in the interests of justice, the witness should be called or cross-examined.

    (7)    
    In spite of subsection (2) or (3), the suspect's interview friend may be excluded from the hearing if the interview friend unreasonably interferes with or obstructs the hearing of the application.




    This information is provided by CCH Australia Limited Link opens in new window. View the disclaimer and notice of copyright.