Where a computer contains legally privileged material that cannot be severed from material authorised by a search warrant, the seizure of the entire computer is unlawful. Police executing warrants where privilege is claimed should afford the subject an opportunity to have the claim resolved by a court before removing the computer. The power to issue search warrants under s 117(2) of the Police Administration Act (NT) is not spent merely because the accused has been committed for trial or an indictment has been presented.
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