Misconduct – Jury in Bruce Lehrmann trial thrown out

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2022

The Bruce Lehrmann rape trial in Canberra has been ruled a mistrial after the jury was discharged.

It’s alleged a juror was found to have engaged in misconduct, accessing research paper on sexual assault they shouldn’t have.

Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping Brittany Higgins in a ministerial office at Parliament House after a night out drinking with work colleagues in 2019.

He has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without her consent.

The trial had been waiting for a verdict since late last week.

The court heard the prohibited research was uncovered when one of the court officers accidentally bumped one of the juror’s folders onto the floor.

When the officer picked up the clear plastic folder, he noticed part of a title of an academic research paper into sexual assault sticking out.

On Thursday, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum with “regret” ruled a mistrial.

“It has come to my attention that one of you.. has undertaken research in relation to issues in the case and that material has entered the jury room that ought not to have.”

“I have heard an explanation, and it may be that no harm has been done, but that is not a risk I can take,” she told the jury.

“During the course of the trial … I must have given the jury at least 17 warnings and prohibitions on undertaking any research of their own.

“This is an unexpected and unfortunate outcome in this trial,” she said.

Ms McCallum said given the circumstances, she had to discharge that juror and then the entire jury.

Ms Higgins and her partner David Sharaz were in the courtroom for the ruling.

European elections loom: the rise of the far-right

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2024

ticker NEWS

What can we expect from the upcoming European elections?

Euro Bloch is a comprehensive program designed to highlight the breadth of topics and issues within the EU political landscape. It offers insightful analysis within the evolving framework of relations between the European Union and Australia/Asia-Pacific region. Hosted by Natanael Bloch.

Next month’s EU elections are looming, with the far-right gaining traction. In this episode, Natanael is joined by Professor Bruce Wilson, Director of EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT University. #EURO BLOCH

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Will the U.S. approve MDMA therapy?

Published

12 hours ago

May 15, 2024

ticker NEWS

MDMA is a drug commonly known as molly or ecstasy.

Some medical professionals say it can be helpful for people with post-traumatic stress disorder — which is why a group has been fighting to get MDMA legalized as a prescription drug.

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing an application to use MDMA to treat PTSD. The agency is expected to announce its ruling as soon as August.

Anna Silman, a features correspondent with Business Insider joins Veronica Dudo to discuss. #IN AMERICA TODAY #trending #drugs #MDMA #MDMATherapy #business #pharmaceutical

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Apple responds to crushing iPad Pro criticism

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2024

Nathan Langridge

Apple issued an apology following backlash over a recent advertisement for the latest iPad Pro.

On this episode of Ahron & Mike Live – Painted Panda dogs confuse zoo goers, luxury Police cars cruise the roads, Siri meets up with ChatGpt and Apple’s “Crush” iPad ad faces overwhelming backlash.

Ticker’s Ahron Young & Mike Loder discuss. #featured #trending