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Law & society
News about legal, social and ethical issues based on peer-reviewed studies or expert analysis
Latest news
16 April 2021
Port Arthur had survivors: the world's other victims of gun violence
Gun violence tends to be measured in lives lost, rather than the much more numerous survivors of gun violence. Gun law advocate, Rebecca Peters, is working to redress the balance.
15 April 2021
Dorothy Hoddinott awarded honorary doctorate
The University of Sydney has awarded an honorary doctorate to Dorothy Hoddinott AO in recognition of her outstanding contributions to public education, social justice and human rights.
08 April 2021
Port Arthur and the battle for tougher gun laws
In 1996, while Australians grappled with the horror that unfolded at a popular tourist spot; Rebecca Peters was at the epicentre of pushing for tougher gun laws. With the 25th anniversary of the shooting looming, she explains how it all came together.
30 March 2021
New deal for Uber drivers in UK, but Australia's gig workers must wait
Uber has been forced by the UK courts to treat its British drivers as workers. It will probably require legislative change for Uber's Australian drivers to be treated as employees, write Drs Alex Veen, Tom Barratt and Caleb Goods.
25 March 2021
Consent laws aren't the reason for low sexual assault conviction rates
An app won't fix issues associated with consent in sexual encounters, writes rape law expert and Dean, Sydney Law School, Professor Simon Bronitt.
22 March 2021
People with dementia need more support for decision-making
People living with dementia need support to make their own lifestyle and health care decisions. Supported decision-making can secure the rights, will and preferences of people with disabilities.
16 March 2021
University of Sydney welcomes passage of Freedom of Speech Bill
The University of Sydney welcomed news that Federal Parliament has passed legislation to strengthen and protect academic freedom and freedom of speech.
15 March 2021
Will women forsake the Liberal party at the next election?
Last election, the Liberal party attracted the lowest number of votes from women since 1987. This trend could continue, however, as Dr Sarah Cameron explains, voting behaviour is often impacted by the salient issues of the day.
12 March 2021
Evidence shows mental illness isn't a reason to doubt women survivors
Research reveals many women demonstrate resilience after violence and abuse. Others report mental distress made worse by disappointing system responses, victim-blaming, and other negative social impacts, writes Dr Emma Tseris.
08 March 2021
Australia has a long history of coercing people into work. There are better options than 'dobbing in'
JobSeeker rules are an extension of Australian's long history of making unemployment support contingent on the idea of "deservedness", writes Dr Frances Flanagan.
05 March 2021
A military-led internet shutdown in Myanmar may be imminent
Technology has played a key role for both sides engaged in the conflict. So what would happen if Myanmar's military shut down all communication to the outside? Dr Susan Banki from Sydney Southeast Asia Centre explains.
04 March 2021
How we tackle the obesity epidemic needs to change
On World Obesity Day our experts discuss policy change, research and treatment that aligns with this year's global theme "Every Body Needs Everybody."
03 March 2021
International experience for students continues during pandemic
Despite the COVID-19 border closures, University of Sydney students have still obtained international experience as part of their degree.
19 February 2021
Myanmar's young protesters are funny, brave and media-savvy
Young anti-coup protesters in Myanmar are using pop culture references to Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, and punk and pop music to get their message across and they won't back down, writes Dr Susan Banki of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.
18 February 2021
What experts think of Facebook's news ban
Facebook has banned the sharing of news content in Australia. University of Sydney experts in computer science, media, business and health comment on the implications of the decision.
18 February 2021
Banning news links just days before Australia's COVID vaccine rollout? Facebook, that's just dangerous
The combined effect of Facebook's ban could be damaging to public health messaging, right before Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, writes misinformation researcher, Maryke Steffens.
17 February 2021
Can bots influence elections with the 'megaphone effect'?
With speculation increasing of an election in Australia later this year, a new study has found Twitter bots can amplify tweets from candidates. But is anyone listening?
16 February 2021
Lynette Riley for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
Associate Professor Lynette Riley, an Indigenous education expert, is on the shortlist for an award that recognises a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social wellbeing of Aboriginal people in NSW.
12 February 2021
Mr Morrison, please enshrine our climate targets in law
Australia is on track to create carbon reduction targets that are on par with other nations. Yet history proves this won't happen without an enforcement mechanism, writes Professor Tim Stephens from Sydney Law School.
11 February 2021
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The 11th of February is the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science: a day that recognises the achievements of women in science and aims to encourage women and girls to pursue studies and careers in STEMM.
