Expert legal
perspectives

Modern contract law for acceptance: Thumbs-up emoji considered valid acceptance of contractual terms

A Canadian Superior Court has ruled that the use of a thumbs-up emoji was effective to constitute an acceptance of contractual terms.

"Black box" infringement: Generative AI and intellectual property rights

2023 has played host to an uprising of generative AI tools, across a variety of use cases, from image creation to large language models.

New South Wales Land and Environment Court says integrated development scheme is not a "one-stop shop" for an environment protection licence

A recent case involved a class 4 judicial review proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court challenging the NSW Environment Protection Authority's refusal to grant an Environment Protection Licence for scheduled activities.

Contribution from offenders: Proposed legislative changes to access their superannuation

High Court confirms the constitutional validity of notional GST paid by local governments

The case of Hornsby Shire Council v Commonwealth of Australia [2023] HCA 19 concerned proceedings in the High Court of Australia in respect of the payment of an amount of notional goods and services tax to the Commonwealth.

Controversial 'Parade development' in Ocean Grove, Geelong - 'monstrous overdevelopment' or new precedent for a growing city?

UXD Group Pty Ltd v Greater Geelong CC [2023] VCAT 642 concerned a proceeding relating to the refusal to grant a permit application for a $10 million three-storey apartment building comprising 16 dwellings across a two-lot area.