Law School

From tradition to innovation, we are the leading Law School in Western Australia.

Our pathways, programs and teaching excellence ensure we continue to educate remarkable graduates and global citizens.

Our research contributes to a fair and just society.

We earn the trust of the communities we serve.

Discover the power of legal thinking. Discover the enduring value of diverse legal minds. Discover your place in law.

Our vision
To be a world-class law school that nurtures diverse legal minds and inspires just and innovative approaches to the global challenges of the 21st century.

Our mission
To provide a creative and supportive teaching, learning and research environment of legal excellence that fosters critical thought, ethical scholarship and practice, and connects with diverse communities.

 

Over 90 years of excellence

Ranked in top 100 law schools in the world (QS and Times Higher Education 2020)

Research rated above world standard (ERA 2018)

UWA Law School is committed to upholding the rule of law, and the promotion of the highest standards of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and community service.

In response to the outcome of the High Court of Australia’s investigation into the sexual harassment of six Judges’ Associates by former High Court judge, Dyson Heydon, the UWA Law School issued this statement on sexual harassment in law.

The UWA Law School condemns past and ongoing discrimination in the Australian legal system that continues to create profound injustice in the lives of First Nations peoples. We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to create culturally safe teaching and research spaces and produce culturally competent graduates.

 



The UWA Law School is certified by the Australian Law School Standards. 

Welcome from the Dean

Discover your place in Law

Over 90 years of excellence in legal research, education and service.

Read about our history

Supportive learning in the UWA Juris Doctor

Highly acclaimed teachers and researchers

UWA Law School comprises more than 50 scholars. Our staff are continually evolving to meet current and future predicted challenges, and we celebrate their international expertise and multidisciplinary areas of study. Our world-class researchers inspire just and innovative approaches to global challenges of the 21st century.

Our research areas

Our almost 60-strong faculty comprised of teaching and research staff bring with them a wealth of experience from a vast breadth of areas of expertise. Browse our research strengths below.

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Commercial and Corporations Law

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Law and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

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Law and Society

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Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law

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Public International and Human Rights Law

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Research entities

The UWA Law School supports the following research centres and networks.

Courses

UWA Law School fosters excellence, integrity and inclusivity in student learning through a diverse and inspiring range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, teaching methods and learning environments. We are leaders in the scholarship of teaching and learning in law, and provide a world-class legal education experiences across all our programs.


Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Executive education and CPD

Catering for busy professionals, our executive education courses give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills through intensives taught by experts in a variety of fields.
Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading

Unit name: Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading

Unit date: 12 – 14 July 2023

Details: This workshop critically examines in detail the Australian Government's clean energy legislation, issues for the various state governments, emissions trading schemes and carbon taxes more generally, and the international context in which they operate. Policy issues are also addressed.

Price: $2,650 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to six Legal CPD points. 

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/145633107545

Principles and Practice of General Insurance Law
  • Unit date:  17 July – 20 July 2023
  • Details: This four day intensive course requires students to read papers on seven introductory topics before the course proper gets underway.  The course proper consists of another 14 topics (also the subject of papers) which examine key concepts associated with general insurance as a risk transfer loss spreading arrangement, including analysis of the common law and relevant equitable principles and close examination of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth), covering topics such as the duty of utmost good faith pre- and post-contract, causation, subrogation and double insurance and contribution. Presentations and tutorial discussion will focus on areas of interest because of their complexity, controversy or topicality.
  • Price: $3,300 incl. tax and booking fee
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to 6 CPD points.
    Further information and registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/principles-and-practice-of-general-insurance-law-tickets-636974727557
Energy Agreements: Oil and Gas, Alternative Energy and Sustainability
Unit name: Energy Agreements: Oil and Gas, Alternative Energy and Sustainability

Unit date: 18 – 20 July 2023

Details:
This three-day workshop will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers wanting to develop their understanding of the legal agreements which underpin the commercialisation of energy, including oil and gas and alternative energy. The workshop aims to explain and review the key provisions of contracts important to the commercial development of oil and gas, wind and solar against the background of a transition to more sustainable energy. The contracts considered include joint venture agreements, electricity and gas sales agreements, transportation and storage agreements and agreements for the development of wind and solar power. The Energy Agreements course uses real life examples to demonstrate how the agreements operate in practice to share risk and reward. The course will be led by John Chandler. John is Co-Director of the UWA Law School's Centre for Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law. John was a practising lawyer for many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this course. He is assisted by a distinguished faculty of leading energy lawyers and economists who explain the legal, economic and commercial issues.

Price:
$2,650 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD:
Full attendance at this short course entitles a practitioner to six Legal CPD points. Points can be selected from Competency Area 2 (1 point available) and Competency Area 4 (16.5 available).

Further information and registration here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/energy-agreements-oil-and-gas-alternative-energy-and-sustainability-tickets-547020441867 
Taxation Law of a Foreign State

Unit name: Taxation Law of a Foreign State

Unit date:  31 July - 3 August 2023

Details: This four-day workshop will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers wanting to develop their understanding of the principles of income taxation and other relevant taxes of China, Singapore and Hong Kong. Topics include: the tax administration system and relevant legal and equivalent institutions; the taxation of inbound investment, outbound investment and trade by the state; the operation of double taxation agreements; residence and sources rules; corporate tax rules; taxation of passive income flows and anti-tax avoidance rules.

Price: $3,300 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: Full attendance at this short course entitles a practitioner to six Legal CPD points. 

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/601861543077

Water Resources Law
Unit name: Water Resources Law

Unit date:
5 - 7 September 2023 

Details: This short course introduces the main legal principles of water resources management and discusses key regulatory issues being faced in Western Australia. Applicable for both lawyers and non-lawyers, participants will become familiar with the principal legal and policy materials applied in the management of water resources in Western Australia, including insights into reform proposals for the Water Resources Management Bill (Western Australia)

The course will be conducted with a combination of on-line pre-recorded lectures and readings available in August, and interactive face-2-face sessions. Professor Alex Gardner leads the course and is joined by guest experts in the presentation of six half-day interactive sessions (9.30am – 12.00pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm) on Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 September 2023.
 
Price: $2,650 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to six Legal CPD points.

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/576799551987
Double Tax Agreements and International Tax Law
Unit name: Double Tax Agreements and International Tax Law

Unit date:  26 – 29 September 2023

Details: This course examines these core principles of international tax law as they apply around the world and the policy issues supporting them. It is not based upon Australia tax law. Topics include: double taxation agreements with a focus on the current version of the OECD model; global issues in relation to transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules;  international tax avoidance; current debates in relation to base erosion and profit shifting.

Price: $3,300 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to six Legal CPD points.

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/601878824767
 
Mining Law
Unit name: Mining Law

Unit date: 25 – 27 October 2023

Details: This workshop will provide an intensive course of study on Mining Law in Western Australia. It is designed to be a comprehensive review for lawyers, professionals and business people, non-government organisations and government administrators working in or with Mining Law. The three-day workshop will comprise of five sessions, each morning and afternoon, comprising a lecture followed by a tutorial discussion of a problem raising the issues of law presented in the lecture. There will also be two interactive seminars on the second morning.

Price: $2,690 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: Full attendance at this short course entitles a practitioner to six Legal CPD points to be selected from the competency areas Professional Skills (2.5), Ethics (0.5) Substantive Law (16).

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CGWIK
 
Sustainability Law and Policy in Resource Development
Unit name: Sustainability Law and Policy in Resource Development

Unit date: 14 – 16 November 2023

Details: Sustainability is now a critical factor in the development of Australia’s mineral and energy resources as companies and regulators seek to balance the competing requirements of the environment, society and the economy. Industry participants and their lawyers need to have a clear understanding of the applicable rules in order to develop appropriate responses for investors, regulators and the public and to balance competing objectives for the present and the future. This workshop will give a clear understanding of those rules, including in mining, petroleum, climate change and environmental legislation and ASX reporting requirements. The workshop will provide practical examples enabling participants to apply the rules. The workshop is designed for lawyers and non-lawyers.

Price: $2,650 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: Full attendance at this short course entitles a practitioner to six Legal CPD points. Points can be selected from Competency Area 2 (1 point available) and Competency Area 4 (19 points available) depending on the sessions they attend.

Further information and registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sustainability-law-and-policy-in-resource-development-tickets-547061083427 
 
Taxation of Trusts
Unit name: Taxation of Trusts

Unit date: 14 – 17 November 2023

Details: This workshop will provide an intensive course of study on the complex Australian taxation of trusts in relation to both domestic and foreign trusts. Topics include: the nature of a trust; trusts in tax legislation; the statutory scheme in trust taxation; present entitlement; streaming of trust income; anti-avoidance; trust losses; capital gains and trusts; taxation of non-resident trusts and taxation of non-resident trust beneficiaries.

Price: $3,300 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to six Legal CPD points

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/601881302177
Construction Law
Unit name: Construction Law

Unit date: 21 – 24 November 2023

Details: This course covers several important doctrines of contract law and equity, as well as key legislation specific to issues which commonly arise under construction contracts. In an effort to explore all of these areas of the law, we will follow the journey through a hypothetical project for the design and construction of hybrid solar/battery, gas-fired power supply infrastructure for a gold mine in Western Australia, from negotiation of the contract through some of the issues which most often arise, to a consideration of dispute resolution of those issues. 

Price: $2,650 incl. tax and booking fee

CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled to six Legal CPD points.

For further information and registration, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/576815389357

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Our remarkable students

Congratulations to our 2022 student award winners

We recognise the hard work and dedication you give to your studies and wish to celebrate your achievement with you. We also thank our generous donors for their continued support. 
 
UWA Law School Awards

Awards

 LAWS1110 Crime and Society

  • Daniella Esha Fernandes (92)

LAWS5501 Advanced Criminal Law and Procedure

  • Amelia Ikin

LAWS1111 Law, Conflict and Change

  • Nethumi Nuhansa Wijesinghe (91)

LAWS5114 International Environmental Law

  • William Goyder (85)

 LAWS2207 Commercial Law

  • Matthew John Cowan (88)

LAWS5115 Procedure

  • Henry Cooney (84)

LAWS2220 Birth, Life, Death and the Law

  • Jasmine Amber Semmler Hensley (93)

LAWS5152 Media Law

  • Joseph Ferrante (81) 

 LAWS2223 Criminal Justice Systems

  • Stephanie Eginton (91)

 LAWS5167 Comparative Legal Method

  • Byron Karemba (80)

LAWS2226 International Legal Institutions

  • Matthew John Cowan (92)

 LAWS5179 Law of the Sea

  • Claudia Sosin (88)

LAWS3221 Creative Expression and the Law

  • Stacie Cayla Blott (90)

 LAWS5181 Health Law and Policy

  • Isabelle Bavcevic (82)

 LAWS3308 Business Law in Practice

  • Matthew Dylan Poli (91)

 LAWS5215 Theory & Practice of Risk Regulation

  • Tiffany Chisholm (89) 

LAWS3328 International Commercial Law

  • Matthew Poli (87)

 AWS5296 Technology Law and Governance

  • Niall Gillmor (88)

LAWS3334 Law and Religion

  • Olivia Jansen (84)

 LAWS5517 Mining Law

  • Dominic Carlsen (83)

LAWS3379 International Investment Law

  • Maria  Ambrose (93)

LAWS5521 Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading

  • (Josias) Eduard Ferreira (81)

LAWS4102 Criminal Law

  • Lisa Baxter (81)

 LAWS5532 Oil and Gas Agreements

  • Charlotte Griffin (80)

LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions

  • Tiffany Chisholm Gardner (88)                                             
  • Hannah Begley (82) 

LAWS5820 Legislation in Practice

  • Thomas Robins (81) 

Donated UWA Law School Awards and Scholarships

Awards 

Ace Alltree Prize in Intellectual Property

  • Alex McCracken

Jackson McDonald Pro Bono Committee JD Prize

  • Rahuul Prasad

Adjunct Professor, Dr Brett Davies Prize in Taxation

  • Nicole Moller

James TF Chong Award

  • Abigail Joy Gregorio

Allens Prize in Law

  • Daniel Basuki

JD Scholarship for the Promotion of Social Justice

  • Tenille Jaye Lazenby

Anna & Nicoletta Ciffolilli Scholarship for Women in Law

  • Georgina Louisa Macri

Jeff Pearlman Memorial Prize in Taxation Law

  • Zaif Fazal

Ashurst Prize

  • Keshi Moore

Jennifer Inkster Memorial Law Scholarship

  • Abigail Joy Gregorio

Australian Insurance Law Association Prize

  • Yuzhi Zhou

K W Hatfield QC Prize in Law

  • Natalie Fretton

B. P. Kakulas QC and Nellie Kakulas Scholarship in Law

  • Isobel Beatrix Cole

K. W. Hatfield Q.C. Memorial Scholarship in Law

  • Vanessa Durham Coutts

Cecil Bedford Thompson Brown Memorial Prize for Foundations of Public Law

  • Nicholas Cokis

Kate King Legal Prize

  • Olivia Jansen

Claire Harkness Memorial Prize

  • Tom Penglis

King & Wood Mallesons Prize in Law

  • Alex McCracken

Clifford Chance Prize for Dispute Resolution

  • Jeremy Koh

Lavan Legal Prize in Professional Practice

  • Henry Cooney

Conflict of Laws Prize

  • Tristan Taylor

Lidia Scafidi Memorial Prize in Evidence

  • Aleasha "Sanchez-Lawson "

Corrs Prize in Global Law

  • Weng Kheong Yip

Linda Cotton (Vatskalis) Memorial Scholarship

  • Thomas Riggio

Corrs Prize in Legal Excellence

  • Ashley Naismith
  • Matthew Swain
  • Isobel Leman
  • Rory O'Sullivan
  • Isobel Cole

Lord Mansfield Prize in Private Law

  • Thomas Daly
Daryl Williams AM QC Prize in Corporations Law

  • Vanessa Coutts

Melvin Yeo Jessup Moot Scholarship

  • Eimear Reynolds 

Dean's Circle Juris Doctor Scholarship

  • Olivia Huang

MinterEllison Prize in Contract F18/681

  • Aaron Salter

Dean's Circle Juris Doctor Scholarship

  • Jenna Hung

NEW CITIZEN BURSARY

  • Yee Man Jenna Hung

Dean's Circle Juris Doctor Scholarship

  • Ciara Lindgren

Nicholson and Wheatley Memorial Prize in Property

  • Simona Dunn

Dr Dorothy W. and Dr Robert Collin Prize for Indigenous Law Students

  • Tyson McEwan

Peter Birks Prize in Unjust Enrichment and Restitution

  • Henry Cooney

EY Prize in Taxation Law

  • Matthew Poli

Peter Handford Prize in Law

  • Natalie Fretton

Family Law Practitioners' Association (Inc) Prize in Family Law

  • Amy Steinepreis

Peter Reading Prize for Evolution of Human Rights

  • Serena Cicchini

Family Law Practitioners' Association (Inc) Prize in Family Law

  • Amy Steinepreis

Philip Lionel Sharp Memorial Prize in Law

  • Greta Hays

Gilbert and Tobin Indigenous Scholarship in Law

  • Ruby Okely

R.K. O'Connor QC Taxation Law Prize

  • Henry Gillett

Grant Robertson Memorial Prize in International Commercial Arbitration

  • Nic Ipsen

Richard McCormack Prize in Equity and Trusts

  • Thomas Robins

Grotius Prize in Public International Law

  • Alex McCracken

STEP (WA) Prize in Taxation of Trusts

  • Zaif Fazal

H. C. F. Keall Prize in Law

  • Bremer Moore

The Honourable Serge Ferrier Family Law Bursary

  • Christy Frances Taylor

Harold H Glass Memorial Prize

  • Matthew Swain

Thomson Reuters Prize in Company Law

  • Ben Lilburne

Herbert Smith Freehills Prize

  • Bremer Moore

Thomson Reuters Prize in Introduction to Business Law

  • Rory Hewson

Herbert Smith Freehills Prize in Mining and Energy Law

  • Adam Bond

UWA Law School Scholarship in Mining and Energy Law

  • Thomas William Penglis
 

 

 


Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor

Through the Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor project, the UWA Law School is incorporating Indigenous cultures, knowledges and perspectives throughout Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The project is a joint initiative of the Law School and the School of Indigenous Studies, and is overseen by a Reference Group of legal and cultural experts.

 

Student health and well-being

The UWA Law School is committed to the health, well-being and safety of all of our students. We strive to support our students to stay well and thrive throughout their studies. 

Global study opportunities

The UWA Law School is a community full of dedicated and passionate people who foster an environment of encouragement and acceptance. Studying Law at UWA has opened up countless opportunities for both my individual development and to make an impact in the community.Joshua Sanchez-Lawson
Blackstone Society President 2018

Our history and alumni

Over the past 90 years we have gone from strength to strength, and have a long and proud history of excellence in legal education, research and community service. 

  Read about our history 

   Frank Beasley Medal

 

Dean's Circle

UWA Law Review

Opportunities

The Law School hosts a range of public events, short courses, seminars and conferences.
Judge in Residence Scheme

The Judge in Residence program encourages and fosters engagement between the judiciary and Law School staff and students. It supports sitting and retired judges to engage in academic activities, including writing and developing research topics and projects.

The 2022 Judge in Residence is The Honourable David Newnes. Open to sitting judges during a sabbatical (WA, Australia, overseas) or retired state, federal and High Court judges (including overseas judges) who wish to be part of the Law School community, the Judge in Residence program offers:

  • The opportunity to be involved in the life of the UWA Law School.
  • An office in the UWA Law School.
  • Access to UWA Library facilities and service during your time in residence.
  • Access to student researchers (with payment arrangements subject to negotiation).
  • The opportunity to guest lecture and make other presentations to students and staff.
  • Audit of postgraduate units taught by the UWA Law School.

In return, the Judge in Residence:

  • Has regular interaction with members of the Law School.
  • Provides informal mentoring of academic staff and students.
  • Maintains a regular presence at the Law School (at least once a week) throughout their residency. 
  • Has opportunities to contribute to teaching. 

 

How to apply

Contact Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head (Community and Engagement) Jacinta Dharmananda:

Tel: +61 8 6488 3955
Email: jacinta.dharmananda@uwa.edu.au

The Dean’s Foundation
In 2022, UWA Law School launched a corporate donor program, the Dean’s Foundation. The Dean’s Foundation is a corporate donor program that creates long-term partnerships between your organisation and UWA Law School to ensure our continued success in producing remarkable graduates. Your organisation can become a member of the Foundation by making a financial contribution, and the Law School will work with you to determine how your contribution will be used. For more information, go to the Dean’s Foundation website.
Law School Advisory Board
The role of the Law School Advisory Board is to provide advice and an external perspective on the Law School’s strategic direction. This includes, for example, the direction and scope of the School’s teaching programs and research activities, its external engagement, and fundraising. We are fortunate to have a Board that consists of members of the legal profession from a diverse range of roles, experience and levels of seniority. For current members of our Advisory Board, please see here.
John Toohey Oration

The John Toohey Oration is a biannual Oration organised by the UWA Law School. The Oration, which commenced in 1998, honours the career and contribution to public life of a distinguished graduate of The University of Western Australia, the Hon. John Leslie Toohey. After graduating in Arts and Law, the Honourable John Leslie Toohey AC QC went on to become an outstanding legal practitioner and, as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, one of the country's most eminent jurists.

The Oration is given by distinguished speakers on a variety of topics. The most recent Toohey Oration was on Thursday 19 August 2021 at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. The Hon. Robert French AC delivered the Oration which was titled ‘A true Australian Republic: True to our history, fit for our future.’ 

For more details about the Hon. John Toohey AC QC and details of past Oration speakers, visit the John Toohey Oration Lecture Series

UWA Mediation Clinic

The UWA Mediation Clinic offers a tailored mediation service to help people to resolve University, workplace, family and community conflict.

Find out more

Visiting scholars

The UWA Law School’s Visiting Scholars Program hosts academics from around Australia and overseas to undertake research and to participate in the communal life of the Law School. Approved visiting scholars are provided with a workspace, IT access and a computer (where possible) and library access. They are encouraged to participate in the academic life of the Law School and University, including seminars and public lectures.

Application process

Prospective visitors should email the following to the visiting scholars coordinator at least three months prior to their intended visit:

  • a brief curriculum vitae that includes details of academic employment, qualifications and publications
  • a one- to two-page proposal outlining the research project, planned collaboration with UWA Law staff and any other activities intended during the visit
  • a copy of a letter from your home university confirming that you are an academic (not a student) and will be taking sabbatical leave for the duration of your visiting academic appointment, and confirming that you will be returning to full-time employment when the visiting appointment ceases
  • copy of biodata page (photograph page) of passport (if available). An appropriate visa must have been obtained to allow commencement of this appointment

Applications are considered in advance of the proposed visit and all applicants will be notified as soon as possible after a decision is reached. Any further information that is required to implement the decision will be sought at this point. The Visiting Scholars Program receives many applications from prospective visitors and unfortunately not all can be supported.

Legal internship and Clinical Legal Education

The Law School provides a Clinical Legal Education program through which our students can participate in local, national and international legal internships with law firms, courts, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the UWA Mediation Clinic. The focus is upon social justice and commercial placements. If your organisation is interested in offering an internship to a law student, to find out more please refer to our ‘Internship Expressions of Interest’ webpage.

Tutoring in the Law School
The Law School often needs sessional teachers (tutors) for law subjects in the Juris Doctor (JD) and in undergraduate units. If you are interested in tutoring, as a first step, please contact the unit coordinator of the unit you are interested in working in to see if they have availability.

Past events

Launch of Guide and Research Report for Charities on Utilising Restricted Reserves
The WA charity sector plays a critical role in improving many aspects of the lives of Western Australians, particularly some of our most vulnerable. Recent crises such as COVID-19 and the Global Financial Crisis exposed the challenges charities can face in responding to changing circumstances, highlighting some of the legal barriers they can face in accessing their reserves in times of great need. Donor restrictions on gifts, which may no longer be appropriate in the changed circumstances of a crisis, can become a key problem.

Researchers from The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and Curtin University, with the help of a Research Advisory Group and funding support from Lotterywest, examined the difficulties caused by donor restrictions, their legal characterisation, and methods for seeking changes to restrictions that are no longer fit for purpose. The research included legal research, workshops and interviews with WA charities and their legal advisors and others.

Lucy Westcott (Senior Manager Grants Policy, Lotterywest), Miranda Elliot (Senior Assistant State Solicitor, State Solicitor's Office) and Natalie Skead (Dean, UWA Law School) helped launch the report and guide on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The Utilising Restricted Reserves Report and the Utilising Restricted Reserves Guide are freely available and you are welcome to circulate them to your networks. They provide information and advice on potential legal treatment and mechanisms to amend historic restrictions, as well as guidance on preventative steps that charities can take with future gifts to avoid unwanted or inappropriate restrictions.
Address by Justice James Edelman, High Court of Australia
On Wednesday 26 October, UWA Law School hosted an address by the Honourable Justice James Edelman, Justice of the High Court of Australia. Justice Edelman spoke on the topic ‘Aliens, Citizens, and Indigenous Australians’. The speech addressed 51(xix) of the Constitution and the view that people of the Commonwealth are either citizens or aliens. 

 
French Dialogues: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Humans: Should we unplug the machines? October 2022

UWA Law School and the Minderoo Tech & Policy Lab in the Law School held the inaugural French Dialogues on Thursday 6 October 2022 at 5.30pm. The French Dialogues is a panel of experts from various disciplines who discuss a contemporary and pressing issue.

The 2022 Dialogues addressed 'The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Humans: Should we unplug the machines?'. The panel consisted of experts from law, computer science, business and the humanities. The French Dialogues honours the Hon. Robert French AC, a UWA Law School alumnus (LLB ’71), former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and current Chancellor of UWA.

Address by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Sundaresh Menon, July 2022

UWA Law School and the Supreme Court of Western Australia hosted an address by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Singapore on Wednesday 27 July 2022 in the Supreme Court of WA, Stirling Gardens.

The topic of the Chief Justice’s address was 'The Law of Commerce in the 21st Century: Transnational Commercial Justice Amidst the Wax and Wane of Globalisation.'

A copy of the Chief Justice's paper is available here.

News

Obiter Dicta - our news

Read the last issues of Obiter Dicta, our newsletter for alumni, staff and community:

Alumni who would like to receive copies of the newsletter should update their details.

To read previous editions of Obiter Dicta, visit our archive

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