A study of law reform and its responses to rapid social and community change. This research is designed to assist law reform agencies and other bodies charged with ensuring that the law responds to rapid social change to design and implement best practice modes of responding most effectively both to the changing nature of the legal problems that arise in the 21st century and to the changing constituencies that are affected by them. Through three cases studies: family law reform, laws governing ....A study of law reform and its responses to rapid social and community change. This research is designed to assist law reform agencies and other bodies charged with ensuring that the law responds to rapid social change to design and implement best practice modes of responding most effectively both to the changing nature of the legal problems that arise in the 21st century and to the changing constituencies that are affected by them. Through three cases studies: family law reform, laws governing defences to domestic homicide and tort law reform the project will assess the extent to which they are responsive to the concerns of those traditionally excluded from the legal mainstream.Read moreRead less
Models of contract law: are broad principles better than detailed rules? Empirical confirmation that broad principles work better than detailed rules could lead to many economic and social benefits- it would supply a key to simplifying the law; contracts would be shorter and simpler, reducing the costs of doing business; contract disputes and litigation would be reduced, saving public and private expense; decision-making would be more accountable and transparent, improving the quality of justice ....Models of contract law: are broad principles better than detailed rules? Empirical confirmation that broad principles work better than detailed rules could lead to many economic and social benefits- it would supply a key to simplifying the law; contracts would be shorter and simpler, reducing the costs of doing business; contract disputes and litigation would be reduced, saving public and private expense; decision-making would be more accountable and transparent, improving the quality of justice; codifying the law would be more feasible; and harmonising Australian contract law with that of our international trade partners would be facilitated. The project thus has the potential to contribute to strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric (Priority Goal 4 of National Research Priority 2).Read moreRead less
An Australian alternative to Bills of Rights and the promotion of human rights responsibilities. It is important for Australia to have an effective strategy for domestic human rights protection. The project explores one such strategy involving the constitutional adoption of an Australian Charter of Rights that retains and develops exisiting democratic rights and responsibilities and provides incentives to the Parliament to enact comprehensive human rights legislation relating to political, socia ....An Australian alternative to Bills of Rights and the promotion of human rights responsibilities. It is important for Australia to have an effective strategy for domestic human rights protection. The project explores one such strategy involving the constitutional adoption of an Australian Charter of Rights that retains and develops exisiting democratic rights and responsibilities and provides incentives to the Parliament to enact comprehensive human rights legislation relating to political, social and economic power.Read moreRead less
Workplace Death and Injury: Re-visiting the Regulatory Impact of Prosecution and Deterrence. The project will be conducted in Australia's two most populous States and falls squarely within the Commonwealth Government's mission of 'promoting good health and well being for all Australians' - one of the key national research priorities. In particular the project supports the specific goal of 'strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric' by examining the role played by legal prosecution o ....Workplace Death and Injury: Re-visiting the Regulatory Impact of Prosecution and Deterrence. The project will be conducted in Australia's two most populous States and falls squarely within the Commonwealth Government's mission of 'promoting good health and well being for all Australians' - one of the key national research priorities. In particular the project supports the specific goal of 'strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric' by examining the role played by legal prosecution of OH&S offences in deterring serious workplace injuries and fatalities. It is anticipated that the results of the project will be used to reduce the heavy costs that current rates of workplace injuries and deaths impose on Australian workers, their families and the national economy. Read moreRead less
The Foundation, Role, and Design of Democracy. Democracy now reigns unchallenged as the master ideal in contemporary societies, western and non-western, developed and developing. But what is democracy, what is its essential role, and by what institutions can that role be best played in the changing circumstances of local, national and international life? This project develops a unified theory of the foundation, role and design of democratic institutions. By establishing a permanent international ....The Foundation, Role, and Design of Democracy. Democracy now reigns unchallenged as the master ideal in contemporary societies, western and non-western, developed and developing. But what is democracy, what is its essential role, and by what institutions can that role be best played in the changing circumstances of local, national and international life? This project develops a unified theory of the foundation, role and design of democratic institutions. By establishing a permanent international research centre focused on these vital questions, it will address theoretical and practical issues of great importance to all contemporary communities, and give Australia a new and on-going voice in crucial international debates.Read moreRead less