Jeremy Gans

Trespassing bees, murderous zebras, reasonable cows ... Ever since biblical times, animals have been clashing with human laws. In Guilty Pigs, animal law experts Katy Barnett and Jeremy Gans guide readers through the philosophy and practice of animal-related law, from the very earliest cases to the issues we are debating today, including the responsibilities of pet owners and the application of human rights to animals. They also cover hunting rights, using animals to solve crime, protecting animals from abuse and neglect, and the unique nature of owning a living being. What to do with animals that injure or kill people, in particular, has long troubled humans. In medieval Europe, 'killer' animals - horses, cattle and most often pigs, which were notorious for eating young children - were put on trial. Even in the early twentieth century, circus elephants who lashed out at their keepers in America were summarily executed for their crimes. Filled with lively and sometimes bizarre case studies, this is a fascinating and entertaining read - for all lovers of misbehaving creatures.

Uniform Evidence Third Edition is a clear and concise introduction to the rules of evidence, as they apply to Australian courts. Written in an engaging and accessible style, the second edition covers all uniform evidence law jurisdictions including the courts of the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. The book explains and critiques uniform evidence law in an accessible and student friendly style, with case examples to illustrate the practical applications of uniform evidence law and flowcharts to clearly summarise complex legal rules and issues.

The Ouija board jury incident of 1994 is one of the most disconcerting in English legal history, possibly (says the author) 'the nadir of reported juror misbehaviour in the 20th-century'. But, as Professor Jeremy Gans shows, in an era of soundbites it has been distorted by the media whilst even eminent lawyers have sometimes got the story wrong. In this first full-length treatment he emphasises the known facts, the constitutional dilemma of investigating even bizarre jury misbehaviour and how the trial involved one of the most serious murder cases of the decade in which two people were shot in cold blood. Stephen Young's conviction after a re-trial is still claimed to be a miscarriage of justice by some people, as to which Gans puts forward his own ingenious solution. But quite apart from analysing the facts of R v Young, this book is a tour de force on jury misbehaviour in which the author also examines the implications for example of winks and nods, research by jurors, speaking or listening out of turn, going to sleep during the hearing or falling in love with one of the advocates. Amusing at first sight, such events involve deep questions of law, practice and democratic involvement in the Criminal Justice process. Far from being a mere anecdote, the case of the Ouija board jurors, the misconceptions about it and the issues it leads to deserve close study by anyone who is even remotely interested in jury trial. The first full length treatment of an iconic case. Dispels the myths that have built-up around it. Looks at other instances of jury misbehaviour. Shows how the courts and Parliament have wrestled with problems of this kind. A first-rate analysis of a baffling double murder.

Modern Criminal Law of Australia, 2nd edition is a comprehensive guide to interpreting and understanding every statutory offence provision in every Australian jurisdiction. The text takes a unique approach to explaining Australian criminal law, emphasising the importance of statutory interpretation, official discretion, element analysis and sentencing, in order to appreciate the meaning and effect of any offence provision. This book sets out the rules and skills needed to advise clients on the potential application of criminal law throughout Australia. Its scope extends to both serious and minor regulatory regimes, as well as the entire contemporary breadth of criminal law, ranging from pollution to public order, traffic to trafficking, and domestic violence to work safety. It covers the common law, traditional code and model code systems, and includes detailed examples from all states. As such, this unique book provides students with the skills to practice law anywhere in Australia.