Law for the Public Good
Legal and policy responses play a vital role in shaping the world we live in.
Privacy, surveillance, domestic violence, injury compensation and corporate governance are just some areas requiring expert legal contributions.
Here's a selection of expert commentary from Monash Law researchers who are meeting these challenges head-on.
Was there slavery in Australia? Yes. It shouldn’t even be up for debate
Prime Minister Scott Morrison asserted in a radio interview that “there was no slavery in Australia”. This is a common misunderstanding which often obscures our nation’s history of exploitation of First Nations people and Pacific Islanders.
Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
A touching piece from Professor Kevin Bell (Director of The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law) who writes as a Father and Professor on the loss of his 23 year - old daughter Jessica.
The app is part of the government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The pandemic is forcing us to rethink how privacy and technology interact, writes Dr Maria O’Sullivan.
BBQ ban as Scott Morrison tells nation that social life is ‘not OK’
But social gatherings like BBQs and birthday parties are now banned until further notice under Scott Morrison's new coronavirus crackdown. Please note this article is subscription only.
Why firms are 'requesting' staff take pay cuts
Employers that move to cut hours and pay during the COVID-19 crisis are walking a legal tightrope because of concerns about legal action by disgruntled staff seeking to enforce contracts. Please not this article is subscription only.
Australian court system's surprising transformation during COVID-19
Family Court has seen a 40 per cent increase in urgent applications relating to parents demanding access to children. During the pandemic, legal evidence will be heard remotely, those on trial and witnesses will give evidence by video link.
COVID-19: A catalyst for rethinking how we punish offenders?
The COVID-19 restrictions pose significant challenges for the criminal justice system in general, and for prisoners and prisons management in particular. Social/physical distancing in prisons isn’t possible in the way that it is in the broader community, with prisons being described as “sitting ducks for COVID-19”.
Telehealth treatment for compensation claimants in COVID-19 times
The decree to stay at home to flatten the curve of COVID-19 has the potential to disrupt the recovery of people injured at work or in transport accidents. But how easy is it for compensation claimants to access telehealth care?
Human rights in the age of COVID-19: new challenges, old solutions?
The COVID-19 restrictions pose significant challenges for the criminal justice system in general, and for prisoners and prisons management in particular. Social/physical distancing in prisons isn’t possible in the way that it is in the broader community, with prisons being described as “sitting ducks for COVID-19”.
COVID-19 and remote courts
COVID-19 shutdown is having a cascading impact through all levels of the Australian court system. Watch how the legal system has adapted to the new way of living.
Black lives won’t matter without major drug law reform
George Floyd’s death has prompted a renewed focus on various aspects of the criminal justice system, including police brutality and racial profiling. A growing chorus is calling for another kind of big structural change: Advocates want to see the decades-long prohibition on drugs overturned.
Dyson Heydon finding: Will the legal profession act on sexual misconduct?
This article tackles the important questions surrounding the Dyson Heydon findings: Will Heydon be criminally charged? Do we need an independent body to hold judges to account?
Misconduct and flawed organisational culture can exist anywhere
If the Dyson Heydon sexual harassment scandal has shown anything, it is that misconduct and a flawed organisational culture can exist in any institution, including the High Court of Australia.
NT Intervention: 13 Years On
After 13 years of living under the policies of the Northern Territory Intervention, Aboriginal Elders are demanding change.