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Publications and other resources
 Information about the work done by the Bar Association in the areas of law reform, access to justice




Publications


The Bar Association's publications are designed to keep members up to date with recent developments and provoke discussion and debate on important matters of law, professional conduct and the administration of justice.

In Brief: the Bar Association's news bulletin

Bar News: the journal of the Bar Association

Annual reports

 


Reforming federal criminal law

The Federal Criminal Law Conference, sponsored by the Bar Association, the Law Council and ThomsonReuters,was held at the Sydney Hilton on Friday, 5 September 2008. Speakers included Stephen Keim SC, Dina Yehia and Mark Ierace SC.

Visit the Criminal Law Committee page to obtain conference papers >

A Charter of Human Rights for NSW?

The Bar Association supports community consultation regarding a charter of human rights. It asked its Human Rights Committee to draft an options paper >>


Does Australia need a Bill of Rights?

"The evident short-comings of Australia's present system of rights protection - many of which have become more apparent in recent years - means that the question of enacting a Bill of Rights for Australia can not be brushed aside as unworthy of serious debate." - the Hon Michael McHugh AC QC . Download a paper presented by Michael McHugh at a Bar Association forum.

Understanding the courts

 What happens if there's an appeal from the Local Court? Do appeals from the Family Court go to the Federal Court of Australia or the High Court? Find out more about the way our courts operate and view a court structure diagram.

Important issues: climate change

On Wednesday, 24 October 2007s, the Bar Association hosted a CPD seminar on legal aspects of climate change. Michael Slattery QC chaired the seminar and papers were presented by the Hon Murray Wilcox QC and Dr Jane McAdam. The seminar examined emission trading rights, climate-induced displacement and other significant legal issues likely to arise out of climate change.

View the paper by Dr Jane McAdam >  |  View the paper by the Hon Murray Wilcox QC>

Important issues: a Fair Go For Injured People

In recent years, drastic changes to NSW laws have made it very difficult for injured people to get fair compensation. The system is too complex, has too many inconsistencies, barriers on payouts and too few choices. It's time to give the people of NSW a fair and safe community - one where the system doesn't let them down. More


    Submissions & briefing papers



Both the judicial and executive branches of government seek the advice of the Bar Association regarding Bills and rules of court. The association's committees and working parties make submissions on a wide range of matters. Some of those submissions appear below.

    Media resources



Media releases, contacts and useful information about barristers and the Bar Association.


More about media resources >>


    Maurice Byers Lecture



In early 2000, Bar Council resolved to establish an annual address in honour of Sir Maurice Byers. In recognition of Sir Maurice's principal areas of work, it was decided to make the focus one of constitutional or public law.

  Learn more about the lecture >>