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 6A - Carrying out of certain forensic procedures after conviction of serious and prescribed offenders  

    SECTION 23XWP   Carrying out forensic procedure following conviction  

    (1)    
    If:


    (a) an offender is in prison or another place of detention; and


    (b) a judge or magistrate orders the carrying out of a forensic procedure under this Division on the offender;

    the judge or magistrate may order that a constable and a Division 6 person be permitted to attend on the offender in the prison or place of detention to allow the forensic procedure to be carried out.


    (2)    
    In subsection (1), Division 6 person means a person who, under Division 6 as applied by section 23XWE , may carry out the forensic procedure.

    (3)    


    If a judge or magistrate orders the carrying out of a forensic procedure under this Division on an offender who is not in a prison or another place of detention, the judge or magistrate may order the offender to attend at a police station (or other place specified by the judge or magistrate) within a period specified by the judge or magistrate to allow the forensic procedure to be carried out.

    (4)    


    If a judge or magistrate orders the carrying out of a forensic procedure under this Division on an offender, the offender commits an offence if the offender, without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to permit the forensic procedure to be carried out.

    Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.

    Note:

    A defendant bears the evidential burden in relation to the exception of reasonable excuse - see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .





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