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Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the 21st Century

Published:
29 Jul 2024
News

Wenee Yap

Legal Features Writer for the College of Law
Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the 21st Century

Nothing captures the public’s imagination quite like a great court case. From Trump’s declaration that he is a “very innocent person” to Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation-chasing criminal trial, watching people have their day in court is oddly compelling. In a world filled with streaming services, there are few opportunities for collective public spectacles quite like a court case.

As a lawyer, you play an integral role within a system that defines societal norms and creates community expectations. The College decided it was high time we looked at the headline-making trials from the 21st century and the flow-on effects these rulings have had. Defamation trials that only served to confirm the plaintiff’s guilt, a precursor to same-sex marriage, dogs having their day in court, and children suing the government for inaction on climate change – it is all here in the top ten court cases that held Australia’s collective attention.

 

Donald Trump

1. The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump - 2024

Declaring yourself a “very innocent man” is certainly a strong start to your own criminal trial. Fast forward to being found guilty of all 34 felony counts, it’s an unsurprising pivot to declare the whole trial rigged. So, what actually happened here?

Donald Trump was on trial for falsifying documents or records. Each felony count reflected each falsified check, invoice, or other document. For example, the hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels hidden as a legal fee to his lawyer, Michael Cohen.

It’s the first time any former or future president has been convicted of felonies in the United States. As many have hastened to point out, being a felon does not prohibit Trump from running or becoming president. This a less of an ‘endorsement of felons’ by America’s founding fathers, but rather an omission of a circumstance they thought so unlikely it was not worth including in the Constitution. He is, after all, not allowed to vote as a felon in the election in which he is running. Inferences could be made... Sentencing has been set for July.

Image: Justin Lane - Pool/Getty Images

 

Bruce Lehrmann

2. Lehrmann v Network Ten and Ors - 2024  

Bruce Lehrmann sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation after an interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project in February 2021. Higgins alleged a sexual assault by a senior colleague but Lehrmann was not named.

Justice Michael Lee ruled in favour of Network Ten and Wilkinson. In a scathing judgment, he found that Lehrmann did rape Higgins on the balance of probabilities. "In his pursuit of gratification, he did not care one way or another whether Ms Higgins understood or agreed to what was going on," Justice Lee said.

The judge was critical of the media coverage, particularly claims of a cover-up in the original broadcast. "[The claim] was supposition without reasonable foundation in verifiable fact; its dissemination caused a brume of confusion, and did much collateral damage – including to the fair and orderly progress of the underlying allegation of sexual assault through the criminal justice system," he stated.

"Having escaped the lions’ den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat," Justice Lee said in reference to Lehrmann pursuing the defamation case after the inconclusive criminal trial. "As a result... he has now been found, by the civil standard of proof, to have engaged in a great wrong. It follows Ms Higgins has been proven to be a victim of sexual assault," he concluded.

This case highlights the difference between the criminal justice system's high burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) and the civil standard (on the balance of probabilities).

Image: ABC News: Brendan Esposito

 

two islands in ocean

3. Landmark win for Torres Strait Islanders in UN Human Rights Commission – 2022  

Australia’s Torres Strait Islanders have successfully sued the Australian government at the UN for failing to take action on climate change. This is a significant win for Indigenous rights and climate justice globally.

The Islanders argued that climate change is destroying their way of life and culture, as they are located in a series of low-lying climate-vulnerable islands. Despite the existential threat posed by climate change, they argued that the government isn't doing enough to stop it. The UN agreed, finding that Australia violated the Islanders' human rights by not protecting them from climate change impacts.

This is the first time an international tribunal has found a country responsible for human rights violations due to inadequate climate action.

This is a landmark case because it's the first time:

  • a country is found to violate human rights due to inadequate climate policy
  • a nation is responsible for its greenhouse gas emissions under human rights law
  • the right to culture is seen as being at risk from climate change

This decision is a major win for Indigenous rights and sets a strong precedent for future climate lawsuits. It also strengthens calls for compensation for countries most affected by climate change.

 

Ben Roberts Smith

4. Ben Roberts Smith vs Fairfax, The Age, The Federal Capital Press - 2023  

Australian war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith sued three major newspapers for defamation after they published articles accusing him of war crimes in Afghanistan. The case centered on whether the publications damaged his reputation with false accusations of murder and other crimes.

The newspapers argued their reporting was true. In a landmark decision, Justice Anthony Besanko found that the media outlets were able to establish the "substantial truth" of key allegations, particularly around the killing of unarmed Afghan prisoners. Justice Besanko said, "The newspapers were able to establish the substantial truth of some of the most serious imputations in the case."

For other accusations, the judge applied the concept of "contextual truth." Here, even if minor details weren't proven entirely accurate, they didn't significantly harm Roberts-Smith's reputation because they were overshadowed by the proven truth.

This verdict is a significant win for the press, but Roberts-Smith can still appeal.

The case also highlights the challenges of using defamation law to repair a reputation. Even if you win, the court process can expose new negative information.

While defamation law is intended to restore reputations, the judge noted, "it's open to doubt that defamation law is actually any good at securing its own stated purpose of changing people's minds about the plaintiff."

Image: https://sterlinglawqld.com/

 

teens speaking to microphones

5. Sharma and others v. Minister for the Environment FCA - 2022  

Eight Australian children brought a lawsuit against the Environment Minister Sussan Ley arguing that she has a duty of care to consider climate change when assessing approvals for fossil fuel projects. The original judgment in 2020 established this duty of care, a world-first at the time. However, this decision was overturned on appeal by the Federal Court in 2022.

The full bench of the Federal Court unanimously agreed with the Minister's appeal. While they agreed that climate change is a serious threat, they found that the environment minister does not have a legal obligation to consider it when approving fossil fuel projects.

The lawyer representing the children, David Barnden, said they were disappointed by the decision but will consider their next steps.

“Part of the reason that people have taken these issues to the courts — why these kids were suing the government in the first place — was because of a lack of effective government policy,” Professor Jacqueline Peel told the ABC.

With Australia’s powerful fossil fuel lobby, it is doubtful whether policy change is an effective avenue for enacting change.

Image:  AAP / DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

 

woman with dog

6. Cooper v The Owners – 2020  

Jo Cooper, a resident in a luxury Sydney high-rise building, has been in a legal battle for five years to keep her miniature schnauzer Angus in her home. Blind and partially deaf, her beloved 14-year-old pooch was at risk of eviction due to a draconian by-law banning pets in the building.

But fear not, because Angus delivered a legal paw-sitive for pet owners in NSW – all thanks to the landmark case of Cooper v The Owners – Strata Plan No 58068 [2020] NSWCA 250.

The Court ruled that the building's blanket ban on pets is oppressive and a breach of the Strata Schemes Management Act. The judges argued that by-laws cannot restrict lawful use and must have a connection to the enjoyment of the property by others. While the strata committee argued it represented the majority's will, the Court pointed out that a majority cannot be a dictatorship and legal constraints exist to protect minorities.

This case is a reminder that even the fluffiest underdog can have their day! Thanks to Angus, pet friends of all kinds are safe from eviction.

Image: https://www.flatchat.com.au/

 

closed covid-19 sign

7. Sharp v Conroy - 2020  

COVID-19 lockdowns sent us all a bit mad, and some of this madness hit the courts. In the case of Sharp v Conroy [2020] NSWSC 271, Justice Cavanagh of the NSW Supreme Court ruled that private citizens cannot use prohibition orders to stop private commercial events due to COVID-19 concerns.

Sharp sought to prohibit certain Mardi Gras events in Wagga Wagga arguing the risk of spreading the virus. However, the judge identified several issues with the request.

Lack of Standing: The applicant, Sharp, lacked the legal authority to control events on private property. This type of action is typically reserved for the government.

Likely Government Approval: The court inferred that the events were likely already approved by the government, given that the government had canceled public Mardi Gras events but not related private events.

Improper Relief Request: The applicant requested a preliminary order, but the effect of the order would have been final. A preliminary order is typically issued quickly without a full hearing, but it can be overturned later. In this case, the order would have been issued based on an ex parte hearing (without the other side being present) and would have effectively shut down the events permanently.

 

two men getting married

8. The Commonwealth v ACT – 2013  

It was only ever a gesture, but the ACT’s sheer defiance of politicised ideas of marriage was as satisfying as it was short-lived. Here the High Court struck down the whole of the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013 (ACT) for inconsistency with its federal counterpart. A silver lining did exist, however, with the High Court clarifying the scope of s 51 (xxi) – the Marriage Power – as one that was broad enough to include members of the same sex. In the five-day window, despite the looming shadow of annulment, 27 couples were married under the Act. Calls for a conscience vote at a federal level soon followed.

 

man standing outside building

9. Al-Kateb v Godwin – 2004  

This is arguably one of Australia’s most controversial immigration law cases. It began with the refusal of a temporary protection visa to Ahmed Al-Kateb, whose birth in Palestine to Kuwaiti parents deprived him of any citizenship. As he was legally defined as a stateless person and could therefore not be returned to his country of origin, the High Court of Australia ruled by majority that Al-Kateb could be detained indefinitely, and that indefinite detention of a stateless person was lawful. While Al-Kateb was released from detention in 2003 on the heels of a related case (Al Masri vs Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs, 2002), Al-Kateb v Godwin stands as a warning to the follies of the literal interpretations of the law.

Image: Andrew Sheargold

 

ships at sea

10. Ruddock v Vadarlis – 2001  

Ruddock vs Vadarlis struck at the very nature of the prerogative power of the Australian executive government. The case involved Norwegian cargo vessel MV Tampa, which was denied entry into Australia after rescuing 438 asylum seekers from their sinking boat. When the Tampa’s captain declared a state of emergency and entered Australian waters, the ship was boarded by Australian commandos and the asylum seekers were detained. The result was a civil suit by the Victorian Council for Civil Liberties and Victorian solicitor Eric Vadarlis, who sought a writ of habeas corpus for the asylum seekers.

Despite an initial court victory for Vadarlis and the VCCL, the Federal Government successfully appealed the ruling to the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia, where it was found that the government does indeed possess a prerogative power to prevent the entry of non-citizens into Australia. While this case failed in challenging prerogative power, it did prompt many in the legal profession to question their assumptions about what the government can and cannot do.

Image: Craig Sillitoe

 

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Access to justice is limited for many and while the Commonwealth Government encourages pro bono activity, it is not mandated. Could there be a better pro bono legal system? We talk to Luke Geary, Chairman of Everyday Justice.

Assessing Mental Capacity: A Guide from the Law Council of Australia

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Assessing Mental Capacity: A Guide from the Law Council of Australia

For legal practitioners in Wills & Estates, finding clear ways to consider and assess mental capacity in a variety of situations is crucial. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates. Josephine shares key elements from the Law Council of Australia’s Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners on Assessing Mental Capacity or ‘the BPG’.

Your Guide to a Career in Family Dispute Resolution Practice

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Your Guide to a Career in Family Dispute Resolution Practice

Download your guide to a career in family dispute resolution practice for everything you need to know about FDR in a nutshell, the personal strengths of a FDR Practitioner, the core expertise of a FDRP, related areas of expertise, and career prospects in FDR.

How the LPMC assisted Elena to take her firm to the next level – and grow from there

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How the LPMC assisted Elena to take her firm to the next level – and grow from there

Elena Leonardos, principle lawyer at Adelaide Legal Solutions, chose to complete her LPMC when the SA's regulation rules changed. Now, she's executing her 12-month plan to expand her business, and seeing an increase in the firm's profitability.

How Ilvana Nanic pursued her childhood dream of family law

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How Ilvana Nanic pursued her childhood dream of family law

LLM graduate Ilvana Nanic shares why she finds family law so rewarding, and her advice to lawyers interested in studying The College of Law LLM.

Meet Best Graduating Student in Commercial Litigation, Dominique Mayo

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Meet Best Graduating Student in Commercial Litigation, Dominique Mayo

Explore how an LLM helped best graduating student (commercial litigation) Dominique Mayo advance her career.

How to break into family law with Jo Bragg

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How to break into family law with Jo Bragg

Jo Bragg, a solicitor in regional Tasmania, started as a generalist lawyer. Her personal experience of separation, along with increasing client demand, prompted her to move into family law. Insights spoke to Jo about what attracted her to family law, what her day-to-day life looks like in practice, and her advice for lawyers looking to move into the area.

NSW introduces combined Succession & Probate Lists: Key Updates

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NSW introduces combined Succession & Probate Lists: Key Updates

Recently, the Supreme Court of New South Wales introduced combined Succession & Probate Lists, applicable to family provision claims and contested probate applications. Queensland is also trialling a Wills and Estates List and there are likely to be further implications for other jurisdictions. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, about what you need to know and how this will impact your practice.

REVEALED: The College’s most popular on-demand CPD short courses for 2024

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REVEALED: The College’s most popular on-demand CPD short courses for 2024

To prepare you for what’s next, let’s unpack the College of Law’s 5 most popular on-demand CPD Digital Subscription courses. It’s the best way to keep your skills sharp – and your mind engaged.

From procrastination to passion

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From procrastination to passion

Overcoming procrastination is quite simple: passion. There must be an internal desire, not dependent on anything except ourselves. That’s why we enable our learners to choose the courses and practice areas that matter most to them - from family law to advocacy - we’re helping lawyers reclaim their power and focus on the areas that they are passionate about.

Your Guide to a Career in Legal Operations

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Your Guide to a Career in Legal Operations

In Australia, the legal profession is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and complex demands from clients and employers. Legal operations professionals, not necessarily with legal backgrounds, are pivotal in integrating new technologies, project management, and process improvements to meet modern market needs.

Nationally Accredited Mediator Training Course Guide

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Nationally Accredited Mediator Training Course Guide

Download our Nationally Accredited Mediator Training handbook, if you are considering adding mediation to your skill set. Inside you'll find everything you need to know about the course.

Vale Kay Smith

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Vale Kay Smith

On Monday 15 August 2016, Kay Smith, one of The College of Law’s longest serving and most respected people died after a short illness.

Kay’s legal career began when she gained her qualification in Law through the NSW Legal Practitioners Admission Board. Kay then obtained a position as an articled clerk with a city firm at a time when there were very few openings for women in the legal profession. She was admitted as a solicitor and established a legal career. She moved from private practice to the College of Law in 1983 – the start of a 30 year career at the College.

Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Dispute Resolution Postgraduate Course Guide to learn how our program can equip you with essential skills to resolve conflicts effectively and build a rewarding career in this growing field.

Defining success in life and law

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Defining success in life and law

What does it mean to be successful? Her Honour Magistrate Michelle Harries, former Assistant Director and lecturer at the College of Law WA, shares her insights at the PLT Excellence Awards Evening. The following is an extract from Her Honour’s speech.

What’s so special about specialising? The ins and outs of becoming a specialist lawyer

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What’s so special about specialising? The ins and outs of becoming a specialist lawyer

Becoming a specialist can be a smart career move. It’s a pathway to new knowledge, opportunities and challenges. But it’s also a commitment. So is specialising the right move for you? Learn the ins, outs, and must-knows of specialising – and what you need to know before you take the leap.

Dress for success: How clothes impact your performance and power

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Dress for success: How clothes impact your performance and power

What you wear has been proven to impact how you feel and perform, it has also been shown to influence how others perceive and respond to you. Given these findings what you wear to the office, a client meeting, to court, or even a job interview, matters. Experienced style expert and author, Dijanna Mulhearn, provides her expert tips on how lawyers can take their look and feel to the next level and dress for success at work.

Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide

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Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide

Download the Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration Practice Course Guide and unlock the skills needed to navigate complex, cross-border legal disputes with confidence and efficiency.

Property Law Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

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Property Law Postgraduate Programs Course Guide

Download the Property Law Postgraduate Course Guide and discover how our specialised program can help you build expertise and thrive in this dynamic field.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Law Guide

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Graduate Certificate in Applied Law Guide

Looking to boost your legal career but not ready to dive into a Master of Laws (LLM)?
 
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law might be the answer.
 
Offering a flexible and affordable way to upskill, the Graduate Certificate is a popular option for busy legal professionals looking to sharpen their skills or master a particular field.
 
Download this course guide to receive more information. 
How ESG will impact your area of practice in law

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How ESG will impact your area of practice in law

Four years ago, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles barely registered, even today many people are left asking – “what is ESG?”. In a nutshell ESG is a framework that is used to assess a businesses’ sustainability and ethical performance. ESG principles are an ever-growing part of doing business today. For those wanting to know more about ESG the College of Law will be holding a free ESG in Australia seminar Thursday 18th of May onsite at the College headquarters in Sydney and online. 

The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

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The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

After more than 50 years at St Leonards, The College of Law is moving into the heart of Sydney’s CBD in early 2022.

A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

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A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

Looking to enhance your area of legal expertise via publication? Academic journals have long been a popular option for lawyers to establish a strong reputation in their practice area.

Navigating Family Law Changes: Insights from the LLM Program

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Navigating Family Law Changes: Insights from the LLM Program

Kathryn Kearley webinar on navigating recent the family law changes and the College of Law's family law postgraduate programs.

Reclaiming your career after a career break

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Reclaiming your career after a career break

Insights explores the issue of when lawyers decide to take a temporary break from the law, and what both lawyers and employers can do help experienced legal professionals return to the profession.

How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

Australia's Legal CPD Requirements by State

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Australia's Legal CPD Requirements by State

This is your guide to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for lawyers across each Australian state. The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March, except for Tasmania, where it runs from 1 May to 30 April.

How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

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How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

Rick Christie, owner of ChristieLaw and committee member of STEP NSW, had always been attracted to the personal side of wills and estates. Insights spoke to Rick about how he came to specialise in wills and estates, what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into the area, and what role industry organisation STEP can play for lawyers keen to become specialists.

Your Guide to a Career in Property Law

Resources

Your Guide to a Career in Property Law

Download your guide to a career in property law for everything you need to know about property law in a nutshell, the personal strengths of a property lawyer, the core expertise of a property lawyer, related areas of expertise, and the career prospects in property law.

How to Become a Partner Guide

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How to Become a Partner Guide

This guide will help you navigate the first steps towards becoming a partner. It will help you reflect on your own motivations, assess your skill set, and determine the best path forward in your career.

New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

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New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

Resolution Institute and The College of Law are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at establishing a symbiotic cooperation which will maximise the resources of both organisations through mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise and efforts in education and training.

Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

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Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

Download the QLD Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our program can prepare you to manage a law firm or take on a leadership role within an established practice.

Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

Download the WA Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our course can help you meet the requirements for a Principal Practising Certificate and successfully manage a legal practice.

Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

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Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

Bias and age-based discrimination remains an issue in the workforce, despite legal protections. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of age bias claims with Tilé Imo, Associate Director of Caxton Legal Centre. We explore the evolving legal landscape, effective strategies for litigating age discrimination cases, and the emerging trends that lawyers need to be aware of to best serve their clients.

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

RELATED COURSES

Enhance your career and skills using the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice (ICP) model as either a lawyer, coach or expert consultant. ICP is a proven method of alternative dispute resolution that emphasises a team-based holistic approach to managing a family breakdown and resolving disputes.
Enhance your career and skills using the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice (ICP) model as either a lawyer, coach or expert consultant. ICP is a proven method of alternative dispute resolution that emphasises a team-based holistic approach to managing a family breakdown and resolving disputes.
In this short course, accredited specialist in family law, Kathryn Kearley, will guide you through the process of advising a client that is seeking urgent or interim orders (which may include an order to stop their former partner or spouse from doing something, or to compel their former partner or spouse to do something).
In this short course, accredited specialist in family law, Kathryn Kearley, will guide you through the process of advising a client that is seeking urgent or interim orders (which may include an order to stop their former partner or spouse from doing something, or to compel their former partner or spouse to do something).
Divorce in Australia is on the rise with more than 56,000 divorces granted in 2021.  Despite becoming more common, divorce remains one of the most stressful and uncertain life events. 
Divorce in Australia is on the rise with more than 56,000 divorces granted in 2021.  Despite becoming more common, divorce remains one of the most stressful and uncertain life events. 
This course guides you through the steps of organising arrangements for children and making an application for parenting orders in appropriate circumstances.
This course guides you through the steps of organising arrangements for children and making an application for parenting orders in appropriate circumstances.
New to running your own practice? This course will equip you with essential skills in financial management, budgeting, practice systems and risk management.
New to running your own practice? This course will equip you with essential skills in financial management, budgeting, practice systems and risk management.
27 November 2024, 9.30am to 10.30am AEDT. Learn about the Family Law Act's recent and pending changes, as well as dispute resolution procedures. Receive tips and insights from key recent cases to keep up with the latest developments in family law.
27 November 2024, 9.30am to 10.30am AEDT. Learn about the Family Law Act's recent and pending changes, as well as dispute resolution procedures. Receive tips and insights from key recent cases to keep up with the latest developments in family law.
Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and Family Law equips students with the necessary and nuanced understanding of family law, the rights of individuals in the family and how to navigate complex issues with hands-on skills like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and communication.
Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and Family Law equips students with the necessary and nuanced understanding of family law, the rights of individuals in the family and how to navigate complex issues with hands-on skills like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and communication.
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