The Queen v Beckett

Criminal law – Attempt to pervert the course of justice – Where respondent questioned in compelled interview about property transfer she stamped for which no duty paid – Where respondent allegedly altered photocopies of cheques – Where respondent allegedly gave false evidence under oath – Where respondent charged with perverting the course of justice under s 319 of Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – Whether offence of perverting the course of justice only applies to conduct committed after judicial proceedings commence – Whether "course of justice" within meaning of s 319 requires jurisdiction of court or competent judicial tribunal to have been invoked.

Words and phrases – "contemplated proceedings", "course of justice", "intention", "judicial proceedings", "pervert the course of justice", "tendency".

Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – s 319.

Taxation Administration Act 1996 (NSW) – Pt 6, Div 2, s 72.