Criminal Law & Offences

Using a Carriage Service to Menace, Harass or Cause Offence

Using a Carriage Service to Menace, Harass or Cause Offence The use of mobile phones, social media and online messaging has made communication easier than ever. However, communications made online can also result in criminal charges. Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) makes it an offence to use a carriage service in a way that reasonable people would regard, in all the circumstances, as menacing, harassing or offensive. The offence can apply to a wide range of communications, including text messages, emails, social media posts, private messages, photographs, videos and telephone calls. The maximum penalty for the offence is 5 years...