the law and society
“Drug accused on strict home detention” Advertiser – Wednesday October 9, 2002 The article “drug accused on strict home detention” is about the son of a prominent eastern suburbs family who has been charged over a record drug haul in Adelaide. The charged, Mark Lawrence was involved in the sale of the designer drug “Fangtasy” with the co-accused Adam Lawrence and Mario Mcdonagh. Lawrence was granted home detention with strict conditions, his parents lodge a $40 000 surety, he is to live in the family home and not leave without the permission of his correctional services officer and only for legal or medical reasons. If these conditions are breached the accused is to pay a further $25 000 and his parents are to pay another $5 000 each. In this case it was first heard in the Supreme court due to its severity. The supreme court usually hears appeals from lower courts like the Magistrates and District courts. The supreme court also hears cases that exceed $100 000 or are concerning murder or treason. Unlike other cases, Lawrence appealed to the magistrates court for home detention. The Magistrates court usually hears cases up to the value of $20 000. Cases heard in the Magistrates court are generally summary or indictable, this is when the magistrate refers to superior courts, like in Lawrence’s case. A magistrate is a senior legal counsel chosen to hear cases in the Magistrates court. A QC is a Queen’s Counsel, they are much the same as any other lawyer but are usually more experienced and qualified.