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Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act 2000
34Matters to be considered by magistrate before ordering
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34 Matters to be considered by magistrate before ordering
(1) The magistrate must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that—
(a) the person on whom the forensic procedure is proposed to be
carried out is a suspect; and
a handprint, fingerprint, footprint or toeprint—the offence for
which the person is a suspect is a serious offence and, on the
evidence before the magistrate, there are reasonable grounds to
believe that the suspect committed—
obtained because of carrying out the procedure on the
suspect is likely to have probative value; and
footprint or toeprint—the offence for which the person is a
suspect is an offence other than an offence that may be dealt with
by way of infringement notice and, on the evidence before the
magistrate, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the
suspect committed—
(d) the carrying out of the forensic procedure is justified in all the
circumstances.
(2) In deciding whether the carrying out of the forensic procedure is
justified in all the circumstances, the magistrate must balance the
public interest in obtaining evidence tending to confirm or disprove
that the suspect committed the offence concerned against the public
interest in upholding the physical integrity of the suspect.
(3) In balancing those interests, the magistrate must have regard to the
the suspect, to the extent that they are known to the magistrate;
(d) if the suspect is a child or incapable person—the best interests
of the suspect;
(e) whether there is a less intrusive but reasonably practicable way
(f) if the suspect gives any reasons for refusing to consent—the
(g) if the suspect is in custody and the investigation period when the
suspect may lawfully be held has not expired—
(i) the period for which the suspect has already been detained;
and
(ii) the reasons for any delay in proposing the carrying out of
the forensic procedure;
(h) any other matter considered relevant to balancing those