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 23XC   Procedure at hearing of application for interim order  

    (1)    
    If the application is made in person, or by telephone or radio or other form of oral communication, the magistrate must ensure that:


    (a) the suspect; and


    (b) the suspect's legal representative, if any; and


    (c) the suspect's interview friend, if any;

    are given an opportunity to speak to the magistrate.


    (2)    


    If the application is made by telex, fax or other form of written communication, the magistrate must ensure that:


    (a) the suspect; and


    (b) the suspect's legal representative, if any; and


    (c) the suspect's interview friend, if any;

    are given an opportunity to make a written submission to accompany the application, or to speak to the magistrate by telephone, radio or other form of oral communication.





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