Legal Affairs

Informative commentary on legal issues and advances in Victorian, Federal and international law.

20 April 2017 – Environment, Himalayas, India, Legal system, Preservation
Will giving the Himalayas the same rights as people protect their future?
As the Himalayas are granted the same legal rights as a person, the University of Melbourne looks at what that means for the protection of the environment.
19 April 2017 – Elections, Indonesia, Jakarta, Politics, Protest
Blasphemy, treason and democracy: Jakarta goes to the polls
Indonesian voters are at the polls to elect a new governor of Jakarta, the University of Melbourne's Tim Lindsey talks through the religious and racial tensions
11 April 2017 – Conflict, Donald Trump, Russia, Syria, Wars
Why is Russia still supporting Syria?
As the G7 puts pressure on Russia to cut ties with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, the University of Melbourne examines why Russia is still supporting Syria.
9 March 2017 – Competition Law, Stolen Generations
From the bar to the supermarket: Life as a competition lawyer
Working on the Stolen Generations case was "life transforming" for former Barrister and competition law expert Professor Caron Beaton-Wells.
1 March 2017 – Court Reporting, Criminal Law, Open Justice, Suppression Order
Suppression orders vs open justice
A recent high-profile criminal case has highlighted how the wide use of suppression orders in Victoria is undermining open justice.
24 February 2017 – Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Bankruptcy, Company Law, Insolvencies, Phoenix Companies
Time to put tracking numbers on directors
The unscrupulous are using phoenix companies to rip off creditors that is costing the economy billions. Experts now say it's time to number track directors
18 December 2016 – Diet, Food, Health, Regulations, Superfoods
False labelling hides the truth about superfoods
False and misleading claims about foods' health-boosting benefits are bad news for consumers - but Australia's regulatory system is ill-equipped to act.
Podcast16 December 2016 – Criminology, Human rights, Law, State crime
Investigating state crime
On the Up Close podcast, criminologist Penny Green on what it means when nation-states shift from protector from crime to perpetrator.
7 December 2016 – Criminal Law, Financial Markets, Insider Trading
How insider traders dodge jail on geography
Insider trading attracts different penalties around the globe, but Australia's tough approach is a deterrent that helps build trust in the market.
21 November 2016 – Coercion, Healthcare, Hospitals, Restraints
Time to hold back on the use of restraints
Using coercion to control behaviour in healthcare settings is sometimes necessary, but better regulation is needed to ensure it doesn't become the norm.