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Law & society
News about legal, social and ethical issues based on peer-reviewed studies or expert analysis
Latest news
23 December 2021
The effects of the Spanish Inquisition linger to this day
Two hundred years after its abolition, the Spanish Inquisition leaves a stain. The locations in which it was strong have markedly lower levels of economic activity, trust and educational attainment, write Dr Jordi Vidal-Robert and colleagues.
21 December 2021
Stories that challenged our thinking in 2021
Although COVID-19 again dominated the headlines this year, our people continued to test our preconceptions across a range of areas.
20 December 2021
Hot housing market puts renters off having more kids
Based on data from a nearly 20-year period, University of Sydney research shows Australian renters are less likely to want and have more children when the property market booms. The opposite is true for home owners.
16 December 2021
New study on-the-job program for trainee teachers
Thanks to the New South Wales Department of Education, the University will trial a program that allows certain students to start teaching in a classroom within six months of starting their degree.
02 December 2021
THC in blood and saliva are poor measures of cannabis impairment
The findings contrast with the much stronger relationship between blood alcohol concentrations and driving impairment, with implications for the application of drug-driving laws globally.
26 November 2021
New Julius Caesar looks at the consequences of failed politics
Dr Huw Griffiths, senior lecturer in English Literature, reflects on the retelling of history and political stories in a powerful new production of Julius Caesar.
25 November 2021
COVID-19 pandemic leaves permanent scar on retail workers
More than half of Australian retail workers experienced customer abuse during the pandemic, while nearly half felt their job became more insecure, landmark new research by the University of Sydney and the ANU finds.
24 November 2021
University to co-lead Connectivity Innovation Network
The NSW Government has announced that the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney will lead the establishment of the state's Connectivity Innovation Network.
19 November 2021
State government reforms needed to drain 'food swamps'
Despite much work on creating healthy food systems, local governments in New South Wales and Victoria struggle to prevent the sale and marketing of unhealthy food and drinks. A report led by Dr Belinda Reeve details the issues and offers suggestions for improvement.
15 November 2021
Xi Jinping puts his stamp on Communist Party history
David Goodman, professor of Chinese politics and director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, reflects on the key aspects from the Chinese Communist Party's sixth plenary in Beijing.
10 November 2021
Could counselling for footballers change off-field behaviour?
Chair of Social Work Professor Jioji Ravulo has spent eight years counselling rugby league players about their off-field behaviours. In a new paper, he shares insights into supporting the mental health of elite athletes under pressure.
09 November 2021
The know-how for our decarbonisation lies with universities
With increased investment and the right mix of industry and government support for university-developed solutions, Australia can emerge as a green export leader, write Professor Kim Rasmussen and Associate Professor Ben Thornber.
09 November 2021
Social sciences peak body welcomes four new Sydney faces
Professors Clinton Free, David Kinley, Frans Verstraten and Helen Watt join the esteemed national Academy that champions social science research.
04 November 2021
Climate change a greater risk for Indigenous families
Without urgent change, housing in regional and remote areas of Australia will become inhospitable for many Indigenous families, forcing a climate migration.
02 November 2021
New technology gives smart cars 'x-ray'-like vision
Australian researchers have developed a technology that allows autonomous vehicles to track moving pedestrians hidden behind buildings and cyclists obscured by cars, trucks, and buses.
27 October 2021
What should we make of COP26?
What must world leaders do to secure the future of humanity? University of Sydney experts suggest the existential threat of climate change won't be solved by targets of 'net zero by 2050' - much more must be done.
27 October 2021
New research shows how hard it is for 'flying grannies' to care for their Australian grandkids
A new study shows how migrant families struggle to get the childcare they need and how an easier visa system would help, write Myra Hamilton, Elizabeth Hill and Angela Kintominas.
07 October 2021
Lift in restrictions: Sydney experts on what we can expect
Experts in health, psychology and pandemic modelling comment on what Australians can expect as the nation emerges from pandemic restrictions.
28 September 2021
Climate change warning from collapsed ancient cities
Why did some ancient Khmer and Mesoamerican cities collapse between 900-1500CE while their rural surrounds continued to prosper? Intentional adaptation to climate changed conditions may be the answer, suggests a new study, which offers lessons for today.
27 September 2021
Researchers develop 'safe' quarantine monitoring system
A School of Computer Science researcher is collaborating with the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) and the University of Technology to deliver a quarantine monitoring system that could be used by arrivals once state and national borders reopen.
