Law’s actors shape society’s character
A Federal Court judge John Dowsett, addressing graduating students, outlined how crucial lawyers are to setting society’s character and ethos…perhaps sending a message to some states?
Students: to pee or not to pee…
A US court has just ruled American uni students can’t be forced to undertake mandatory drug tests. Are any Australian colleges trying this on? Let CLA know.
Mandatory school drug tests get ‘fail’ grade
When schools introduce mandatory drug testing – mandatory anything – they send a message to students that the way to solve problems is by enforced bullying of a captive audience. Not a good look, one would think, in a system where bullying behaviour is…
Student ID numbers or Big-Brother?
Who would have thought a Labor Government would introduce Big-Brother-like ID numbers for school students! With the rationale that parents could “be able to track the records of a child’s schooling” even if they move schools.
I have been/am a teacher.…
Does the Pacific need special charter?
As Australia considers its own rights instrument, the question arises: should we encourage a Charter of Rights for Pacific Island nations? In a CLA-ANU internship paper which received high marks, Kelly Haines-Sutherland analyses whether such a document w…
Will Fiji return to embracing its Bill of Rights?
Fiji stands at a crossroads: democracy lies invitingly ahead, with coups and turmoil behind. Will the power-broking military officers allow the people to walk forward, or will they sidetrack the nation’s future by further diverging from the Bill of Right…
How student members can benefit
Students can learn and grow as members of CLA, taking up many opportunities that might not otherwise be available…or they can simply stay aware of what’s happening, and decide to get involved only occasionally. Here student member Rosh O’Meagher exp…
A-G counsels students to get involved
Attorney-General Robert McClelland encouraged Law students to get involved with community groups like CLA, and to put their opinions in writing right from the start of their studies when he spoke to the University of Canberrra Isaacs Law Society. He a…
Divided we stand…but where are we headed?
Should Australia drop a tier of government? Become a republic? In this lecture, CLA member Norman Abjorensen explores how Australia might adapt or evolve, based on where we have come from. He asks: What would our system look like today if it hadn’t happe…
CLA offers new internship-research partnerships
CLA is offering a new law student internship program, based on the University of Canberra Law School. There is already a program with the Australian National University, ANU. Details of the UC opportunity are available The University of Canberra deta…
DNA: US legislates, why not Australia?
A bill prohibiting discrimination and bias by health insurers and employers based on people’s genes has passed both Houses of the US Congress by a vote of 509-1. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is a powerful shield for Americans. Meanwhile,…