Category: OPINION

14 February 2018

Minister’s Criticism of Sentences and Rule of Law

Reading Time: 3 minutesA commentary arguing that Minister Dutton’s criticism of sentences imposed by judges is inappropriate and undesirable. See Report by The Guardian on 15 January 2018 Rule of law is a principle that needs to be...

OPINION

20 September 2017

by Daniel Stepniak

Domestic Violence or Simply Violence?

Reading Time: 10 minutesThanks in large measure to Rosie Batty, Australian of the Year for 2015, domestic violence has gained more prominence, and prompted increased government action. Nevertheless, those seeking to identify the nature, prevalence, causes and...

OPINION

30 August 2017

by Daniel Stepniak

Is Psychological Distress Inevitable in the Study and Practice of Law (Part 2)

Reading Time: 18 minutesIntroduction In the first part of my paper (see the preceding post) I outlined the findings of studies of the incidence of psychological distress and mental illness among law students and legal practitioners. I...

OPINION

26 August 2017

by Daniel Stepniak

Is psychological distress inherent in the study and practice of law (Part 1)

Reading Time: 4 minutesHighest Level of Psychological Distress The incidence of psychological distress and mental illness among Australian lawyers and law students is significantly higher than that affecting the general population and those in other professions or...