R v Lam (No 28)

[2005] VSC 413

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA Not Restricted

AT MELBOURNE

CRIMINAL DIVISION

No. 1505 of 2003

THE QUEEN

v

CUONG QUOC LAM & ORS

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JUDGE:	Redlich J
WHERE HELD:	Melbourne
DATE OF HEARING:	24 January 2005 to 19 September 2005
DATE OF RULING:	15 July 2005
CASE MAY BE CITED AS:	R v Lam & Ors
MEDIUM NEUTRAL CITATION:	[2005] VSC 413

RULING NO. 28

Principals in the first degree - Alternative of manslaughter open.

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APPEARANCES:	Counsel	Solicitors
For the Crown	Mr M. Dean S.C. with Mr P. Southey	Mr  S. Carisbrooke, Acting Solicitor for Public Prosecutions
For Cuong Quoc Lam	Mr S. Grant	Michael Gleeson & Associates
For Hung Tu Van	Mr A. Jackson	Haines & Polities
For Linh Van Nguyen	Mr D. Brustman	Valos Black & Associates
For Thanh Nha Nguyen	Mr F. Gucciardo	Theo Magazis & Associates
For Long Thanh Tran	Mr G. Mullaly	Victoria Legal Aid
For Hong Bui	Mr J. Saunders	Valos Black & Associates
For Hoang Tran	Mr M. Rochford	Brendan Wilkinson

HIS HONOUR:

1. In relation to the principals in the first degree, I will leave the alternative of manslaughter open in each of their cases on the bases I have just indicated.  In David Nguyen’s case, manslaughter may be open if the jury concluded he did make the admissions alleged but they were admissions to no more than an unlawful and dangerous act and that he did not have the necessary intent for the crime of murder.

1. Counsel will address the jury as they see fit in relation to those alternatives.