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 9 - General provisions relating to operation of this Part  

    SECTION 23YE   Powers etc. of legal representatives and interview friends  

    (1)    


    A request or objection that may be made by a suspect or offender under this Part may be made on the suspect's or offender's behalf by:


    (a) in any case - the suspect's or offender's legal representative; or


    (b) if the suspect or offender is a child or an incapable person - an interview friend of the suspect or offender; or


    (c) if the investigating constable believes on reasonable grounds that the suspect or offender is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander - an interview friend of the suspect or offender.


    (2)    


    If:


    (a) a provision of this Part requires a suspect or offender to be informed of a matter; and


    (b) an interview friend or legal representative of the suspect is present when the suspect is to be so informed; and


    (c) the suspect or offender is so informed in a language (including in sign language or braille) in which the suspect's or offender's interview friend or legal representative is not able to communicate with reasonable fluency;

    the interview friend or legal representative must also be informed of the matter in a language in which the interview friend or legal representative is able to communicate with reasonable fluency.





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