Why is there an inquiry into the Bruce Lehrmann trial? Legal experts explain
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Tuesday, April 18, 2023
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On Monday, opening statements were delivered in an inquiry into the prosecution of Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.
Key Points:
- On Monday, opening statements were delivered in an inquiry into the prosecution of Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.
- Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to a charge of sexual intercourse without consent.
- Read more:
Lehrmann retrial abandoned because of 'a significant and unacceptable risk' to Brittany Higgins' life
‘Inappropriate interference’
- It prosecutes criminal cases in the ACT, operating free from government influence.
- That is, free from the parliament and the executive, which includes police ministers and police commissioners.
- In other words, the DPP is to remain above politics, and stick entirely to principles of law, and agreed prosecutorial guidelines.
The task ahead
- Sofronoff has quite the task ahead of him.
- The decision as to whether to proceed with a prosecution remains with the DPP.
- That is, the discretionary guidelines given to the DPP by legislation in relation to their choice to prosecute.
- Rick Sarre is affiliated with the SA Labor Party, and is a Patron of the Justice Reform Initiative.