Laws relating to Marriage

Marriage is a traditional ceremony, whereby two people whom are in love come together by way of marriage. Sadly not all lovebirds can get married. This report will explore the Australian laws relating to marriage.

If both partners are over 18 years of age, they can get married without permission. However, if the couple wishing to get married are under the age of 18 then their marriage is illegal.

If one of the partners is over 18, then the younger partner needs permission from both a judge or magistrate and parents or guardians.

1. Permission from a judge
· Must apply first after getting legal advice
· The judge will look at the application including maturity, length of relationship, financial situation and independency as a couple. Being pregnant would not help.
· If the answer is yes then the couple must get married within three months.

2. Permission from parents
Within the timeframe of three months the couples must provide a writing permission, witnessed and dated regardless if the parents are overseas or not. This permission must be given to the person marrying the couples (e.g. Priest or civil marriage celebrant).

In case of the parents refusing to give permission then the couples can apply to the judge and if the judge finds out that the parents were unreasonable then the judge will give the permission instead.

Same sex couples cannot get married but they can have commitment ceremony. However in some states same sex couples can register their relationships as domestic partners.

Married previously and want to get married again? Then you have to obtain divorce by filing the respective paperwork with the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates Court. To marry someone while you are already married is a criminal offence called bigamy and is punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Lindy Chamberlain's Biography.

Time Line

1948 - born in New Zealand

twenty months old moved with family to VIC Australia

1965 - educated & enroled in Universety

While studying she's done vacation jobs (e.g. waitress, shop assistant and clerk)

Later she worked as a receptionist and book keeper

1969 - married Michael Leigh Chamberlain

Both lived in Tasmania for five years shortly after marrige

1973 - Aidan was born (Lindy's first child)

1974 - Lindy received her dressmaking, tailoring and drafting certificate at Launceston Technical College

Chamberlains then moved to northern Queensland

While in Queensland Lindy specialised in making wedding dresses with church involvement

Later they moved to Innisfail, then on to Mt. Isa

June 1980s, Azaria was born (their second chiled)

August 1980s, during their holiday near Ayers Rock Azaria was taken by a dingo from a camping ground

After two inquests & a police raid on her house, Lindy was tried and convicted of the murder of her baby & sentenced to life in prison with hard labour

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's Biography

TIME LINE

1918 - Born in Transkei, South Africa.

1942 - qualified in law.

1944 - joined the African National Congress (ANC).

1948 - engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party's policies.

1956 - trial for treason

1960 - Banning the ANC

1961 - acquitted to trail and argued for the setting up of a military wing within the ANC

1962 - arrested for the use of violent tactics

1963 - stand trial

1964 - sentenced life imprisonment

1964 - 1982 - became a potent symbol in African society while in jail.

1990 - was released

1991 - elected President of the ANC

Turning Points

- Sentenced for five years' imprisonment with hard labour

- While in jail he received considerable international publicity

SHIRLEY SMITH'S BIOGRAPHY

TIME LINE

1995 - born in Cowra

Got sick with epilepsy

1930s - moved to Sydney with family

Visited prisoners

1970 - involved in campaign for land rights

1971 - set up Aboriginal Legal and Medical Services

1972 - involved in different Aboriginal services

Early 1990s - reared over 60 children

1998 - died at the age of 73

Shirley's Achievements:

She set up the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Shirley's turning points:

She got sick with epilepsy and back then doctors did not have yet found a cure for it.

SHOOTING BAIL BAN

daily telegraph,Wednesday, October 20, 2010, page 15.

Notes:

• Two men charged with murder


• Deliberately tried to shoot twice on the same day

Summary:

Truck driver Bob Knight's murder was linked to an intimidation of witnesses in the case of the accused.

Personal Reflection:

The accused person should get life term in prison because their actions have no place in today's society.

What is obesity?
Obesity is when your body stores unused energy as body fat.

What are the reasons for obesity in children?

There are many causes of childhood obesity nowadays, but the main factors of this epidemic would be the food choices that people make, the insufficient exercise and also hereditary factors.

Is obesity only a national problem? · What do statistics show?

Childhood obesity is increasing all around the world. Statistics show that in Australia, one in five children and adolescents are either overweight or obese [and] it was predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020. (Better Health Channel 2010).

What is making worse the obesity problem?

Changing society has contributed to obesity and has led people to either eating more or/and to becoming less active.

Does obesity have an impact on children’s health? If yes, explain how?

Yes, there are many health issues that affect children and the most common types are: type 2 diabetes, liver problems and respiratory issues.

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?

Other impacts that affect children with childhood obesity is suffering from low self esteem and withdrawing from social life.

What is the treatment?

Treatments are many for this condition: is to see an accredited practicing dietitian, a doctor and access to a help line.

The Australian, September 10, 2010, Health and Science


Flu Jab Link to Toddler's Death

Notes:
. A toddler found dead after having the flu jab
. Coroner carried out autopsy to find the cause of death
. The vaccine was implicated with a rash
. Vaccine delayed until the children are 5 years of age instead of 2 years

Summary:

A two-year-old girl was found dead in her cot on April 9, just 24 hours after receiving the flu vaccine. On completion of the investigation a Brisbane coroner could not link the cause of death and also could not exclude the vaccine being the main cause. The toddler's death was in the same month as when the vaccine was involved in a rash of child sickness around the country. Due to that a decision was made to delay giving the vaccine for children under 5 years of age.

Personal Reflection:

Negligence of this magnitude has no place in our times. In this day and age technology has superceded all our expectations and hence mistakes like this should not be tolerated by the public and the parents of the victims.