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Written by
Bill Doogue
Criminal Defence Lawyer


Commonwealth Offences - Federal
Welcome to the Federal Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation article page. Everything you need to know about Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation according to Federal law - Dated: 09/01/2009

What the Law States according to Federal Law for Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation

According to Federal Law for the charge of Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation,

Sections 102.3 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code states:

(1) A person commits an offence if:

(a) The person intentionally is a member of an organisation; and

(b) The organisation is a terrorist organisation; and

(c) The person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves he or she took all reasonable steps to cease to be a member of the organisation as soon as practicable after the person knew that the organisation was a terrorist organisation

The Maximum Penalty - Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation

According to Federal Law for the charge of Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation, The Maximum penalty for the offence of Membership of a Terrorist Organisation is 25 years imprisonment.

What the Police must prove according to Federal Law for Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation

In order for the Police to prove their case at Court, they must prove each of the following matters beyond a reasonable doubt.

1. The accused intentionally is a member of an organisation; and

2. The organisation is a terrorist organisation; and

3. The person knows the organisation is a terrorist organisation.

It will be necessary for the Police in every offence to prove that the accused was the person who committed the offence. Click here to learn more about identification evidence.

Possible Defences under Federal Law - Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation

Possible defences to this offence include but are not limited to

1. The accused did not intentionally become a member of an organisation.

2. The organisation is not a terrorist organisation

3. The accused did not know the organisation was a terrorist organisation.

4. Identification i.e. it was not the accused.

In Federal which court will hear the matter - Membership Of A Terrorist Organisation

This matter is Commonwealth Offence which means it is dealt with in the Supreme Court.

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