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 C - Interim orders  

    SECTION 23XA   Interim order for carrying out of a forensic procedure  

    (1)    
    A magistrate may make an interim order authorising the carrying out of a forensic procedure on a suspect that must be carried out without delay if:


    (a) subsection 23WR(1) applies; and


    (b) the magistrate is satisfied that the probative value of evidence obtained as a result of the forensic procedure concerned is likely to be lost or destroyed if there is delay in carrying out the procedure; and


    (c) the magistrate is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that a magistrate is reasonably likely to be satisfied of the existence of the matters referred to in subsection 23WT(1) when the application is finally determined.


    (2)    
    An interim order operates as provided by this Subdivision until a magistrate, at a hearing held under Subdivision B, confirms the interim order or disallows the interim order.

    Note:

    Subsection 23XD(2) requires that an interim order specify the intended date, time and place of the later hearing.


    (3)    
    Subdivision B applies in relation to an order confirming the interim order in the same way it applies in relation to an order under section 23WS , and an order confirming the interim order is taken to be an order under section 23WS .




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