Asia: Criminal Law

Pleading guilty to a criminal offence in Queensland does not automatically result in imprisonment or a recorded conviction. The court considers multiple factors including the offence circumstances, criminal history, remorse, and rehabilitation prospects when determining an appropriate sentence, which may range from fines and community orders to imprisonment.

The Supreme Court of India, in a criminal appeal decided on 17 July 2026 by a Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, has set aside a long chain of concurrent convictions under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on the ground that the cheque in question was materially altered. The case, arising out of Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 17025 of 2025, highlights the fundamental principle that a materially altered negotiable instrument cannot form the basis of criminal liability for its dishonour.

The advent of AI has introduced revolutionary changes across many fields, but some developments have taken a dangerous turn. As courts and society grapple with sexual crimes committed through artificial intelligence, new legislation targets the creation of AI-generated child abuse material and adult deepfakes, raising questions about enforcement capabilities and the balance between protecting victims and preserving legitimate expression.