Commentary and Respectful Debate
To defend the rule of law we encourage open discussion.
The exploration of ideas through respectful debate is the lifeblood of democracy and the rule of law.
Our resources and commentary promote good governance in Australia by the rule of law and not one side of politics. We provide impartial and balanced commentary about the state of our democracy and the rule of law in Australia.
The need for open discussion
The Rule of Law Education Centre constructively engages in debate regarding the rule of law and, where appropriate challenges when the rule of law is under threat. It defends those foundations and principles that have been provided protection for hundreds of years by balancing the state’s power with the individual’s rights.
Reflections on the Rule of Law
Chris Merritt in the Australian
A weekly commentary in the Australian newspaper.
Rule of Law Lectures
Annual Lectures on the state of the rule of law in Australia.
Margaret Cunneen SC
Videos on recent criminal law challenges.
Malcolm Stewart
Lectures, articles and submissions on recent events.
The Rule of Law Lectures
2024: Robin Speed Memorial Address: Mr Walter Sofronoff and the Rule of Law in Society
2023: Robin Speed Memorial Address Mr Paul Kelly and the Voice to Parliament
Paul Kelly: The Rule of Law and the Voice to Parliament
2022: Rule of Law and Government Overreach
Margaret Cunneen SC speaks with Charif Kazal: ICAC and Government Overreach. Youtube link
2021: Presumption of Guilt Conference
Online Conference with Mr Bret Walker AO SC, Ron Hoenig MP, Margaret Cunneen SC, Malcolm Stewart and Chris Merritt. Click here
2015: Magna Carta and the Rule of Law
Martin Krygier: Magna Carta and the Rule of Law Tradition
A list of the events for the 2015 Celebrations
Judicial Independence in Australia: Summary
2014: Open Courts and Who Guards the Guardians
SYDNEY LAW SCHOOL Distinguished Speakers Program 15 May 2014
Nicholas Cowdery AM QC; Mandatory Sentencing
The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM QC: KABLE’S CASE AND THE RULE OF LAW
Seminar Open Courts: Who Guards the Guardians?
Hon PD Cummins: Justice Open and Shut: Suppression orders and Open justice in Australia and UK
Peter Bartlett, Partner, Minter Ellison: ‘Suppression Orders: A Fine Balance’
2013: Drugs and Sport and the Rule of Law
University of Sydney Law School Distinguished Speakers Program
The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM, QC: The Rule of Law and Some Aspects of the
Current Legal Scene in Australia
Drugs and Sports Conference
Robin Speed: Introduction to the Conference
Sports lawyer and Deakin University academic Martin Hardie was one of the keynote speakers at RoLIA’s conference on 15 November 2013. Martin discussed how the “just war on doping” justifies the disregard of the rule of law, constitutional guarantees and human rights. Instead of proper legal processes, there is a shift towards governance through non legal measures, at the expense of certainty, fundamental protections and the rights of athletes themselves. In the society of competition, competition itself becomes the highest (or most efficient) form of governance.
Other speakers are the former head of ASADA, Richard Ings, sports lawyer Tim Fuller, sports psychologist Patsy Tremayne and sports journalist Tracey Holmes. Philip Boulten SC, President of the NSW Bar Association will open the conference and participate on the closing panel.
2012: Rule of Law Contemporary Issues Conference
Summary
Hon Justice Hames Douglas: Access to Justice – Problems of Self Representation The Querulant Litigant
Kevin Lindgren: Rule of Law and its state of health in Australia
Professor Douglas Fisher: THE DIVERSITY OF INTERESTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: A CHALLENGE FOR THE RULE OF LAW.
Malcolm Stewart: NSW Legal Studies Conference Bikie Gangs and Individual Rights
2010: Rule of Law Conference
Papers included:
- Hon Justice Paul Breton AM RFD: The Director of Military Prosecutions,
the Afghanistan Charges and the Rule of Law - The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith QC: Democracy Coping with Terror: The British Perspective
- Nicholas Cowdery AM QC, Director of Public Prosecutions: NSW: THE RULE OF LAW AND A DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
- Dr Melissa Perry QC: Administrative Justice and the Rule of Law: Key Values in the Digital Era
2009: NSW Bar Association "Is the Rule of Law Under Challenge in Australia?"
2007: Rule of Law Conference
Michael D’Ascenzo, Commissioner of Taxation: The rule of law: a corporate value
Commentary by Malcolm Stewart, Senior Vice President
Malcom Stewart has written the following recent articles:
- Trump v US shows some should be above the law
- R v Lehrmann:and what happens when you disregard the Rule of law
- Judicial Overhaul in Israel
- The Rule of Law in Roe v Wade and Dobbs
- The Federal election and the registration of Political parties