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 23WY   Making of order  

    (1)    
    If a magistrate makes an order for the carrying out of a forensic procedure, the magistrate must:


    (a) give reasons for making the order; and


    (b) ensure that a written record of the order is kept; and


    (c) order the suspect to attend for the carrying out of the forensic procedure; and


    (d) inform the suspect that reasonable force may be used to ensure that he or she complies with the order for the carrying out of the forensic procedure.

    (2)    
    The magistrate may give directions as to the time, place and manner in which the procedure is to be carried out.




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