1996 HIGH COURT CHALLENGE: Levy vs State of Victoria

In 1994, rescuers received $20,000 in fines for being on the water before 10am. This was challenged in the Magistrates’ Court where they originally won on a technicality, but when the technicality was removed, the police tried the case again and won.  Levy appealed to the County Court and then the High Court, where the case turned into a major free speech argument.  The case was lost in court but CADS capitalised on all the media.  The Court, however, recognised that freedom of speech could be through actions, not necessarily verbal.  This decision helped other environmental groups with their campaigns.

 High Court of Australia

What is political speech

What is political speech

Levy v State of Vic

Levy v State of Vic

Judges Must Protect Free Speech

Judges Must Protect Free Speech(1)

High Court of Australia

High Court of Australia