VCE Legal Studies – The Constitution

The case of Lex Wootton vs The Government of Queensland.

Wotton v Queensland [2012] HCA 2 (29 February 2012)

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/HCA/2012/2.html

You may have a case in mind for situations where there has been a change in power following the High Court’s interpretation of the Constitution. I suggest the Lex Wotton case is an excellent and recent example of the High Court’s interpretation of the Constitution where state powers have been kept in place.

Lex from Palm Island in North Queensland is forbidden from contacting the media while he is on parole for the next four years. It will be interesting to read his book after that time is up.

Several rights lawyers challenged the Labor Government in Queensland on this matter in feb 2012. In this case the High Court ruled that queensland was not Ultra Vires in its decision to ‘gag’ Lex.

I welcome your opinions on this matter.