Sixth edition of a guide to Australia's legal system, first published 1974. Discusses the role of courts, law and morality, censorship and international law and human rights. Includes chapters on the origins of the legal system, how laws are made and what the various law courts do. Written in easy to understand language, and includes case studies, cartoons and index. Chisholm is a Judge of the Family Court of Australia and Nettheim is a Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales.

A concise account of the language and structures of the Australian legal system for those who want a succinct yet thorough approach to this subject. Contents include: studying law, the law-making process, the legal system, precedent, the interpretation of statutes, contracts and commercial dealings and more.

DNA Evidence in the Australian Legal System discusses the legal issues associated with DNA evidence, ranging from crime scene collection and DNA databases through to its use in criminal trials and appeals. This integrated text explains important legal issues associated with DNA evidence that have developed alongside the science. While there are a number of books available that discuss DNA evidence from a forensic science perspective, this text is one of the few worldwide to focus on these issues from a legal perspective. A wide range of legal issues are discussed, including those associated with the collection of DNA evidence at the crime scene, laboratory analysis, creation of DNA profiles, use of DNA databases, the presentation of DNA evidence at trial, and the use of DNA in the review of convictions and acquittals. Forensic procedures legislation is reviewed, as well as key cases relevant to each of these topics. The text also includes a comparative discussion of developments in key jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and United States, providing context for current and potential future developments in Australia. It is intended that this book will be an authority on DNA evidence and the law in Australia and an important reference for those studying, working with or researching the topic. This includes professionals such as lawyers, researchers, police, laboratory scientists, policymakers and expert witnesses who work in the criminal justice system, as well as students of law, criminology, criminal justice and forensic science.

This book examines the tradition of law in Australia & the tension between adherence to tradition & the demands of change & renewal for the legal system. The author argues that the greatest challenge the legal system faces is the challenge of inclusion -- to make the legal system one to which all Australians have access & in which all Australians are able to make their voices heard. The new edition takes account of recently published work in Australian legal history, including the Wik case & the native title debate, the debate about a Republic, changes in the Australian court system, developments in legal reasoning & statutory interpretation, & the problems of access to justice.

'A gem of a book ... Inspiring and timely. Everyone should read it' Independent 'The Rule of Law' is a phrase much used but little examined. The idea of the rule of law as the foundation of modern states and civilisations has recently become even more talismanic than that of democracy, but what does it actually consist of? In this brilliant short book, Britain's former senior law lord, and one of the world's most acute legal minds, examines what the idea actually means. He makes clear that the rule of law is not an arid legal doctrine but is the foundation of a fair and just society, is a guarantee of responsible government, is an important contribution to economic growth and offers the best means yet devised for securing peace and co-operation. He briefly examines the historical origins of the rule, and then advances eight conditions which capture its essence as understood in western democracies today. He also discusses the strains imposed on the rule of law by the threat and experience of international terrorism. The book will be influential in many different fields and should become a key text for anyone interested in politics, society and the state of our world.

Dealing with critical issues of ownership, control and use of water as a resource, AUSTRALIAN WATER LAW offers practical and up-to-date guidance in an increasingly important area. Interconnected with property law and environmental law, water poses special regulatory challenges because of its character and potential; it also poses opportunities for disputes and litigation. A complex web of state and federal legislation seeks to manage and protect water and water rights, challenging practitioners who are advising on matters like access rights, statutory water entitlements, water planning and resource protection. Commercially, water law affects a widening range of infrastructure development and management projects, while the development of a national water market offers opportunities in trading of water rights, and risks and controls. Kate Stoeckel, Romany Webb and Luke Woodward bring to bear their considerable legal experience in matters involving water rights as well as regulation of the water and sewerage industry and Amy Hankinson offers her significant expertise in environmental law and water management.

The Future of Australian Legal Education Conference was held in August 2017 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Australian Academy of Law (AAL), the 90th anniversary of the Australian Law Journal (ALJ) and the 30th anniversary of the Pearce Report on Australian Law Schools. The conference provided a forum for an informed, national discussion on the future of legal study and practice in Australia, covering practitioners, academics, judges and students.