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VICTORIA UNIVERSITY DICTUM SOCIETY

ISSUE NO. 3 OCT 2021

OBITER THE

DICTUM SOCIETY'S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

MEI'D FOR LAW Shares her colourful experience through Law School as a mature aged student at Victoria University.

LEGEND OF THEMIS An Introduction to the Greek Goddess of Justice.

CALLISTE A poem on the infamous 'Apple of Discord' and the Judgement of Paris in Greek Mythology

LEGAL CENTRE VOLUNTEERING Laura Buckby imparts her insight on Community Volunteering for Legal experience.

“The law is reason, free from passion.”

― ― Aristotle Aristotle

Acknowledgement Acknowledgement of of Country Country Dictum Society would like to acknowledge the Woiworung and the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, who are the Traditional owners of our University land. We extend our acknowledgements to the traditional custodians of Australian land and pay our respects to their culture, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded, and pay our respects to the diversity of indigenous peoples , their communities and cultures, and the intrinsic connection to the land and waters as the Traditional Owners to Country.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement of Country....................................................................................................3 The Introduction................................................................................................................................5 Dictum Membership Packages ...................................................................................................6 Leaders of Dictum.............................................................................................................................7 Themis: Goddess of Justice............................................................................................................8 Mei'd For Law ...................................................................................................................................10 Community Legal Centre Volunteering ................................................................................13 Wall of Dictum..................................................................................................................................16 What's the Verdict..........................................................................................................................18 And the Verdict is............................................................................................................................21 Mood to Moot 2.0 ...........................................................................................................................22 Dictum Senior Moot Results.......................................................................................................25 Law School Gradman ....................................................................................................................27 Cross Laws..........................................................................................................................................28 Courage Among Lawyers ............................................................................................................29 Word Wheel ......................................................................................................................................33 The Legal Doodler ..........................................................................................................................33 Calliste.................................................................................................................................................34 The Writer's Nook...........................................................................................................................36 Under the Covers ...........................................................................................................................37 Cover Illustration ...........................................................................................................................38 .Sponsorship List..............................................................................................................................38

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

THE INTRODUCTION Dictum Society was established in 2012, and has successfully engaged and serviced a wide variety of external and internal stakeholders in this short time. We are a Society which aims to represent the diverse aspirations and attributes amongst our law students and improve their university experience. We achieve this by hosting a combination of initiatives and events, ranging from careers, competitions, social events and education programs. Dictum Society is affiliated as a College Society through Victoria University’s Student Union (VUSU). This means that Dictum Society is the peak student representative body for Victoria University’s College of Law and Justice.

THE

OB IT ER

The Obiter is Dictum Society's official magazine. The magazine provides its readers with content that is fresh, stimulating, and diverse. In 2021, the magazine aims to keep its readers on their toes. From students to professors to legal legends, each issue passes the baton to one renowned law veteran who will be sharing valuable advice and riveting anecdotes in our 'Seasoned Artist' Series. Our seasonal writing competitions, 'The Writer's Nook' series, offers captivating topics and exclusive prizes for the winners who are also feature in our following Issue. You don't want to miss our 'Dictum Editorials' where the Committee expresses their creativity through a plethora of topics all of which aim to spark new conversations. Our content also caters for the lighthearted with our brainteaser puzzles and fun facts that are peppered through out the magazine. As well as our newly introduced 'LOL: Laugh Out Law' column which aims to publish funny legal cases and narratives for the entertainment of our readers.

The Obiter Magazine is more than just a publication stuffed with articles. It is a reflection of the innovation and tenacity that the Society and its people embody.

DICTUM DICTUM

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES PACKAGES STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

$10

Includes:

VIP MEMBERSHIP

$15

Includes:

Access to our exam prep sessions

Access to the Society’s exclusive social

events

Access to free food during social events

Access to free food & tap during social

Eligibility to participate in mooting

events

competitions

Eligibility to participate in mooting

Access to exclusive careers events and

competitions

programs

Access to exclusive careers events and

Access to exclusive networking events

programs

Access to our 2021 Careers Law Guide

Access to exclusive networking events

Eligibility to be mentored in our Peer 2 Peer

Access to our 2021 Careers Law Guide

mentoring program

Eligibility to be mentored in our Peer 2 Peer

Eligibility to become a Dictum Society

mentoring program

volunteer

Eligibility to become a Dictum Society

Eligibility to partake in our Leadership

volunteer

training programs , such as Speech Master

Eligibility to partake in our Leadership

Eligibility to partake in our society’s

training programs , such as Speech Master

competitions such as the Writing

Eligibility to partake in our society’s

Competition

competitions such as the Writing

Discounts tickets to our Law Ball, Trivia night,

Competition

Halloween dress up party, movie night &

Bigger discounted tickets to our Law Ball,

many more!

Trivia night, Halloween dress up party,

Eligible to make submissions to the Society’s

movie night & many more!

student publications The Obiter & the E-

Discounts on any merchandise

Newsletter

Priority given to VIP members who are on

Receive a Membership pack full of goodies !

the Peer Mentoring waitlist

(may be available when campus opens)

Eligible to make submissions to the

Most importantly, to be a part of a student

Society’s student publications: The Obiter &

team dedicated to making your law school

the E-Newsletter

experience the best !

Receive a Membership pack full of goodies ! (may be available when campus opens) Most importantly, to be a part of a student team dedicated to making your law school experience the best !

LEADERS OF DICTUM PRESIDENT Aayushi Patel

VICE-PRESIDENT Falak Sakak

DIR. ACTIVITIES Arvin Ravindran

DIR. EDUCATION Nomvula Ndhlovu

SECRETARY Farriz Roslan

TREASURER Barsha Bhandari

DIR. COMPETITION DIR. PUBLICATIONS Jakob Hunt Malaika

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Themis: Goddess of Justice The godly representation of justice and order in Greek society was bestowed upon the daughter of Uranus and Gaea, who were the god of Heaven and the goddess of Earth; parents to Goddess Themis.

The word 'Themis' is synonymous to 'Order' in Greek speak and thus Themis was immortalised as a personification of justice, goddess of wisdom, good counsel, and the interpreter of the gods' will. True to her name she maintained order at Olympus, instructing the first primal laws of justice and wove the sentiments of morality among mankind. The socio-cultural and ethical functions of members of the society were also governed by Themis over the principles of hospitality, piety and conduct.

Themis's appearance is internationally emulated in the form of Lady Justice. Draped in the responsibilities of laws she carries for the world her beam balance to represent impartiality and the obligation of law among all citizens. Most commonly, she is seen wearing a blindfold to establish that Themis and all representations of her kind are unaffected by the perception of who is being tried before the law and does not let

on the conduct of men, reporting on those

any bias stream into her decisions. The

who breached the primal laws laid down by

existence of the sword if present, represents

the gods. This was done with the support of

the power of justice and law. Themis was

their daught Goddess Dike who was the

God of Sky, Zeus's counsellor who sat

Goddess of Justice and moral order as an

enthroned beside him. She advised him

extension of her mother.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Mei'd For Law As a female mature aged law student, I can say that returning or entering the life of education at the age of 37, I started from the bottom, where I successfully completed my Certificate IV in Legal Services and then proceeded to complete the Diploma of Justice. Moving forward I am now a 2nd year Law student doing my Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University.

While the typical law school student is between the ages of 23 and 26, there are many mature aged students who are over the age of 30 that are returning to school. I have found that many of the programs or courses offered, have a fairly flexible schedule that accommodates older students, they have welcomed older

While reminiscing into my childhood, I started

students and are allowing more and more

to remember a saying that I heard at one of

mature aged people like myself to pursue

our church services which stuck with me, “not

a law degree, and although the reasons

to be pushed around by the fears in your

for seeking a legal education differ, the

mind, but to be led by the dreams in your

general view is that education isn’t just for

heart”.

kids! t’s a lesson that’s guided me ever since and Growing up as an Islander girl, who is the

it’s the reason why I decided to finally pursue

eldest in the family, I was taught that my

my Law degree as a mature aged student.

number one priority was to take care of

Yes, I went backwards, as in, raising a family

the family, which meant working for an

first, and with the support and

income, as education is not important.

encouragement of my family, I pursued my

When I finished high school all I did was

education, which has also started the

work, in which I gained valuable skills that I

pathway to reaching my long-life dreams

use in everyday life. I then became a wife

and goals, to working within the Law &

and a mother.

Justice environment.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Mei'd For Law There are some challenges when to going back to school and getting used to being on the learning end of the stick can be difficult to adjust to. One of my lecturers, who taught Family Law, believed that older students enhance class discussions and that they bring a perspective and maturity, that helps deal with conflicts and problems, including life experiences. Things that should be carefully considered and weighed before committing to a law degree schedule are money, time, family, and capability, as we still need to be there for our families and other commitments,

“not to be pushed around by the

while also being fully committed to the

fears in your mind, but to be led

program or schedule. A hurdle that older

by the dreams in your heart”.

student's also face is readjusting to the rigors of school, which can take time to get into the swing of things. I wasn't used to studying anymore and I had to discipline myself again and with Covid also playing a part with the changes in our learning pathways (from face-to-face learning to home-online learning) was a challenge. It was a struggle at first, especially with having to readjust to the new way of life, which included having the kids at home doing their remote learning too, but with time, I found that I was able to develop an effective studying strategy, with a good time management structure, and by finding the flow that I needed, helped me get into the habit of not only learning but

So, regardless if you are 20 or 70 years old, law school can be a successful, rewarding experience. I still have two years to go in my journey and I look forward to when I finish, and I may even be back to provide a success story or update to this walk or path in my life. I wanted to share the start of my journey and to encourage our mature aged fellow members, who are hoping to pursue this path but are hesitant, my advice is ‘If you really want to do something, don't ever make age an excuse not to pursue your dreams, just go for it and be willing to put in the hours of study, and to always believe in yourself!’ YOU CAN DO IT!

online learning.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Community Community Legal Legal Centre Centre Volunteering Volunteering When completing a degree in law, it is a

While working on client files, some tasks

great idea to get some experience under

you may be asked to do include drafting

a supervising lawyer during your law

letters/emails for your supervising lawyer.

degree. Being a volunteer paralegal gives

For introverts such as myself, it also forces

you an insight into law that a law degree

you to become comfortable on the phone.

simply does not. If you are not able to

There is regular calls to Centrelink and

secure an internship/clerkship, I would

Fines Victoria to check on the status of a

highly encourage you to volunteer at your

clients file as well as calling up the clients

local community legal centre!

to book appointments.

There is certainly a range of areas in community legal centres. The centre I volunteered at provided Debts (Consumer debts), Fines (Infringements), Social Security (Centrelink and other social security matters), TenancyConsumer rights, Criminal law (summary), Motor vehicle accidents, Employment, Family violence, Family Law, Migration, Victims of Crime (VOCAT), Wills and Power of Attorneys. Even if you have a specific area of law you are interested in, working under a supervising general lawyer will still be a valuable experience.

Working at a community legal centre is great for law students because it pushes you right into the deep end. As a volunteer paralegal, you gain the experience of working with client files from beginning to conclusion with your supervising lawyer enables you to see how cases are handled.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Community Community Legal Legal Centre Centre Volunteering Volunteering You may also get some more hands on experiences that you may not get in other positions, such as being given the chance to sit in with my supervising lawyer to take notes for the meetings with clients. You may also be invited to attend court with your supervising officer to take notes for the client file. These are invaluable experiences and networking opportunities.

Working with clients of legal community centres requires delicacy and care, as you are working with people who face economic and social disadvantage. There is pride in your work as you are ensuring legal advice is inclusive and accessible regardless of power or income. To anyone looking to get experience at

“As a volunteer paralegal, you gain the experience of

what law is like in the ‘real world’ or just figuring out if law is really what they want to do; community legal centres are a truly rewarding experience. If you are interested in volunteering at a

working with client files from beginning to conclusion with your supervising lawyer

local legal community centre, search for a legal centre near you on this website

https://www.fclc.org.au/find_a_commun

enables you to see how cases are handled. ”.

ity_legal_centre

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Wall of Dictum

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Wall of Dictum

What's the Verdict? Read the facts for the case provided below and guess the verdict. AREA OF LAW Contract; essential terms; conditions and warranties; termination of contract

CASE Associated Newspapers Ltd v Bancks (1951) 83 CLR 322

FACTS The Plaintiff contracted with the Defendant to draw a comic that would be displayed in full on the front page of the newspaper every week. The Plaintiff did not always display the comic on the front page. The Defendant stated that the Plaintiff had breached the contract and that therefore he would be terminating the contract. The Plaintiff sought an injunction, arguing that displaying it on the front page was not an essential term.

ISSUE Was the obligation to display the comic on the front page an essential term, and had the contract been repudiated?

case summary derived from https://lawcasesummaries.com/knowledge-base/associatednewspapers-ltd-v-bancks-1951-83-clr-322/mo/Cases/jc%20williamson.htm

And the the And Verdict is... is... Verdict The Court ruled in favour of the defendant. Bancks was entitled to terminate the contract due to Associated Newspapers Ltd having breached the contract. HELD Displaying the comic on the front page was a condition, not a warranty. The Plaintiff has three obligations under the contract: 1) to display the comic, 2) on the front page, 3) every week. The Plaintiff had breached #2, which was an essential term. Therefore the Plaintiff had repudiated the contract and the Defendant was entitled to terminate the contract.

QUOTE The plaintiff would not have employed the defendant unless it had been assured that the defendant would perform his promise, and the defendant would not have made the promise unless he was assured that his work would be published in a particular manner”

case summary derived from http://www.alcware.com/fpbldemo/Cases/jc%20williamson.htm

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Mood to Moot 2.0 THE BEGINNING As every avid fan of Judge Judy, the idea of being part of a mock court trial always got me 'edge of the seat' excited. I have always had a penchant for public speaking, debates, and most importantly theatrics!

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, 'Moot' in the context of law school, mooting is the process of going through a mock court experience with solicitors, plaintiffs, evidence, and judges. All of which correlates to a hypothetical case established to set the courtroom experience. The moot is divided into multiple rounds depending on the number of teams and under each round you prepare for both sides of the case with different teams.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to take part in my first ever moot competition. Namely, Dictum Society's Junior Moot. The experience of which, I shared in the previous issue of the Obiter (So if you haven't had the opportunity to venture through our previous publishments, here's your chance!)

THE BIG MOOT

I took on the task of participating in the Dictum Society Senior Moot 2021. With previous mooting experience under our

This time around, in the month of

belts, we definitely felt more prepared to

September my best friends (now 'co-

put our skills (and dare I make a pun!) on

counsels') and

trial.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Mood to Moot 2.0 THE EXPERIENCE In terms of experience the Senior Moot was most definitely more intimidating and hectic and I do not say that lightly. The concepts to apply (in our case Contract law) while straightforward required a lot more succinct and refined application. But the tips and tricks we learnt in the process of participating in each round were absolutely invaluable. After each round you simply gain more and more confidence in your ability to moot your way to the finish line!

TIPS & TRICKS From our Junior Moot venture a significant takeaway was the need to simplify our arguments rather than trying to bombard the judges with points on points with no definite direction.

We simplified the case by breaking it down in parts and focusing on the guiding questions provided in the facts of the

“I realised that if you argue with unwavering confidence and surety, 90% of the argument has already been made”. to its destination. Fellow VU Alumni and our Senior Moot Judge, Kurt Cauchi gave us some hard-hitting yet golden advice.

Senior Moot competition. Instead of using the written memorandum In terms of preparing for the big moot itself, the first round was really just trial and error. We prepped talking points by paraphrasing our memorandum and practiced our ability to orate while keeping time. This however, was later concluded to be the road most travelled yet the least effective getting your argument

as a guide for oration, he recommended us to narrow down our arguments into one-line points to avoid sounding like you're reading off a script. We applied this principle while arguing for the oppossing client, we instead practiced on improvising and thinking on our feet. This took us from 0 to 100 in terms of the application of the facts, principles, and arguments,

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Mood to Moot 2.0 responding to cross questioning by Judges, and most importantly CONFIDENCE!

than I ever did sitting in a classroom for 12 weeks (Not that university is not important kids!). In addition to that you have the

This brings me to the next and in my

opportunity to receive feedback from

opinion the numero uno requirement for

professionals who have mastered the ins and

getting through a moot competition

outs of the legal industry. I mean you could

successfully...Humble confidence!

never put a price on that!

The one thing I learnt over the course of

AND TO CONCLUDE..

mooting is that if you argue with

To conclude my little journal on participating

unwavering confidence and surety, 90% of

in the Senior Moot, if you are someone who

the argument has already been made.

struggles with confidence, seek an inside

Many of our points had holes that could

view on courtroom experience, or simply wish

prove detrimental to our case. However,

to take part in an adrenaline-inducing

we tried our best to accept anything we

experience, get yourself in the MOOD TO

say and put before the Court as the only

MOOT! You will not regret it and you will

truth in the matter.

most definitely be better off than you were before.

Emulating such confidence also helped in thinking clearheadedly when answeriing

In the Junior Moot my team and I did not

questions.

even make it through the general rounds,. It always hurts to lose but we took this on as a

The last but not the least of what the

challenge to implement the lessons and

Senior Moot has taught me is that its

change the game on the next one.

about the journey and not the destination. When you take it out of your head that the

I am proud to inform you dear reader that my

moot will either make you a winner or a

team and I proved to be the Grand Final

loser, but instead focus on the priceless

winners of the Senior Moot. So if that's not

experience its giving you, it takes off the

an indicator of our progress, I wouldn't know

pressure and helps you tap into your most

what is!

efficient self. In the two weeks of preparing for this Senior Moot experience I have gained more practical skills

Dictum Senior Moot 2021 GRAND FINAL WINNERS Falak Sakak Malaika Nambiar Manraj Kaur GRAND FINAL RUNNERS-UP Allan Qiu Fiona Fu SEMI-FINALISTS Ifigenia Karandaglidis James Louloudakis Mehmet Emin

Law School School Law Gradman! Gradman! Help Gradman graduate with a law degree by guessing the latin legal phrases below. Every incorrect answer brings Gradman's grade below a HD, so beware the N grade scholar!

1. From the beginning

__ ______

2. A type of writ seeking judicial review.

__________

3. a new trial ordered when the previous one was inconclusive.

__ ____

4. Generally used in the sense of "and so forth".

__ ______

5. Refers to a gift or other non-sale transfer between living parties.

_____ _____

Gradman Grades

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Cross Laws

Credit to respective sources: https://wps.pearsoned.com.au/lsp-2/69/17916/4586630.cw/content/index.html, https://www.nine.com.au/quizzical/160510australian-law/f66fd50e-195a-40b7-bb72-a35754e7166c, https://this.deakin.edu.au/self-improvement/why-cant-we-resistconsumerism-at-christmas

Courage Among Lawyers

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

I N

A S S O C I A T I O N

W I T H

L E O

C U S S E N

Why lawyers need courage

Finding your first legal role can feel daunting. But Leo Cussen is here to help. We aim to provide Law graduates with the practical tools that get them job-ready to hit the ground running in their legal career.

Every year, we help hundreds of graduates prepare for their first role in the legal field. Now we’re sharing some of the insights that have helped others land their first role. Alex Giannopoulos, Manager, Industry Engagement & Careers at Leo Cussen, shares his top seven tips that will help you find your first role:

. Use Job Boards:

. Tap into and expand your networks and contacts: Ask yourself who you already know in the industry and get in touch with them. Set up

Start your job search where the jobs are

a coffee chat (even a virtual one) with

advertised. It may seem obvious, but there

those in your network, discuss any jobs

are a multitude of job boards out there. Look

they may know about, and consider asking

at places like Seek, LinkedIn Jobs, the Leo

your contacts to refer you for jobs. You

Cussen Job Board, and ‘Beyond Law’, just to

also need to push your comfort zone and

name a few.

appropriately approach employers directly

2. The Hidden job market:

via email, even if they aren’t advertising. You can ask about job opportunities, but sometimes it is also helpful to seek advice

Did you know that around 80% of available

and mentoring from those individuals

jobs aren’t advertised? That means you’re

through what’s called an ‘informational

only finding about 20% which are posted! So

interview’. Setting up a LinkedIn profile is

how do you access that hidden job market?

also a great way to expand your

The key is to tap into existing networks and contacts, and to create new ones.

professional networks as part of your job search.

Courage Among Lawyers D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

I N

A S S O C I A T I O N

. Don’t just rely on the big commercial firms:

W I T H

L E O

C U S S E N

It doesn’t always have to be fancy work experience! Even shadowing a barrister for a few days, or completing some admin in a

While working in a large commercial firm can

legal office will help set you apart from

be rewarding, it is important to realise that

other graduates.

this is not the only pathways to a successful legal career. Your success as a lawyer does not necessarily hinge on getting a clerkship or a position in one of their graduate programs. Smaller, boutique firms provide great experience in your first role too – particularly in non-commercial areas of law such as family, criminal, and personal injury law.

5. Build skills outside of law: Employers look for more than just legal skills. They also place great emphasis on non-legal experience and transferable skills. These include IT capabilities, business development, leadership, client relationship building, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. These are just as important as the skills and knowledge you learn at university.

Top Tip: Add these to your CV

Get work experience and Volunteer: Gaining work experience and volunteering is a great way to add to your resume and to increase the skills employers are looking.

Courage Among Lawyers D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

I N

A S S O C I A T I O N

W I T H

L E O

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A virtual internship is another great way to gain experience. Leo Cussen currently offers two virtual internships through Forage: one in Criminal Law and one in Human Rights Law. They are free and can be put on your CV once complete.

7. Don’t leave your PLT until the last minute Getting admitted can make you incredibly attractive to employers. Once you have completed your PLT, an employer can immediately organise a practising certificate and charge you out at a lawyer’s rate.

With PLT you also develop the practical skills you’ll need in your career, helping you to become job ready. So, the sooner you complete your PLT, the more equipped you’ll be for a job interview.

Top Tip: Don’t quit the race! In many parts of Australia, you must be admitted within 5 years of completing your law degree to avoid further potential study.

Take the next step in starting your legal career. Find out more about completing your PLT at Leo Cussen here.

Word Wheel

Literacy and good vocabulary is a major

plus in getting through law school and as

you go through the legal industry. Practice your skills by using the word wheel to forms as many words as you can! Try and use all the letters to achieve

a Word Wheel Win!

Alright, repeat after me class! 'Sue first or be sued! '

Tort Law: Session 1

The The Legal Legal Doodler Doodler

We believe all law students have a little funny in them. Our dark sense of humour is the reason why we choose law school in the first place right? (Some of us are still crying).

If you wish to put that funny bone to good use, send us over your funniest takes on law school, lawyers, legislation, basically anything law! Dictum will feature your iconic gags in 'The Legal Doodler' spread.

Get cracking readers!

LAW SCHOOL GRADMAN ANSWERS: 1. Ab Initio 2. Certiorari 3. De Novo 4. Et Cetera 5. Inter Vivos

CROSS LAWS SOLUTION: 1. Supreme Court 2. Vagrancy Act 3. England 4. Seventy 5. Pirate

6. Prosecution 7. Fourteen Days 8. New South Wales 9. Victoria

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Calliste

The mark of Calliste; an apple of gold; The bearer most fairest the Grecian scripts told.

The apple a mere weapon to imbue discord, by a woman hurtfully snubbed; a Greek goddess scorned.

The Goddess of discord was after all named Eris with good reason; to leave her out of festivities may well be Hellenic treason.

So she rolled the golden apple with etchings of 'Calliste' across the wedding aisle; Sitting back as the chaos unfolded in true Grecian style.

The apple was toussled over by Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite. All three goddess' claiming the title of Calliste their true right.

Zeus the King of the Gods, perspired under the vigilance of his three beloved wives; for he knew picking favourites among women may well put him in strife.

So he bowed out under the shadow of

WHAT IS 'CALLISTE'? Calliste (Ka-lissti): Refers to the 'most fairest' or 'most beautiful'. This was etched on the apple of discord.

The poem references: The Apple of Discord

modesty and found his scapegoat among guests; as Paris was brought forward and in his hands the judgement laid rest.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Calliste

Paris preened in the limelight; as the purpose of judgement he forgot; to bestow the award of fairest to the fairest of the lot.

Intoxicated by opportunity, he toyed with the favours Athena, Aphrodite, and Hera dangled before his eyes; promises of kingdoms, love, and wisdom would cement what he decides.

Grabbing the balance of fairness, he weighed each gift on these scales; And he weighed it against the golden apple to decide which promise prevailed.

For Paris, the love of Helen assured by Aphrodite weighed the apple's worth in Calliste gold; So he handed the apple, she basked in the title, the laughable irony need not be told.

BACKGROUND

And thus began the beginning of the

The poem refers to the 'Judgement of Paris',

end with an apple and the judgement

which acted as a catalyst for the historic

of Paris; ubeknownst to the irrevvocable consequences of the

Trojan War. My interpretation of this mythological event focuses on the value of 'Judgements'.

judgement Paris carries.

As a Judge, making an ubiased and fair

With a golden apple came power,

decision before the scrutiny of many that

division, discord and more; with a judgement came the legend of the Great Trojan War.

rely upon such a decision would prove absolutely daunting. As it's been said, 'With great power comes great responsibility'. The responsibility of which, if taken lightly might alter fates by catastrophic proportions.

The Writer's Nook GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING!

Submit a written piece on a topic of your choice. Your piece can be structured in any style, including but not limited to essays, articles, stories, anecdotes, or poetry. All entries will be featured in the final issue of the Obiter.*

Juicy prizes are up for grabs! First Prize Winner $25 Gift cards (For the merchant of your choice) will be provided as rewards for each article submitted. Winners will be announced on our social media and contacted via email for further details. Mail your entries to publications@dictumsocietyvu.com by 23/11/2021 11:59PM. Delayed entries may be published in the upcoming Obiter at the Society's discretion. Writers will be contacted for the purpose of providing gift cards after the publishment of the magazine.

*Please include your name and student ID in your entry or attached to the email submission. Dictum Society holds the permission to reject submissions that do not meet the criteria or have offensive/ profane writing.. The Society may issue changes to the submission prior to publishing in the following issue of the magazine.

D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

Under the Covers the Covers

The magazine cover of the Obiter 2021, Issue 3 was created using a myriad of illustrations from the elements of Canva. The vision behind the cover was to showcase the influence of Hellenic Laws on the Australian Courts. It was also an opportunity to immerse the Obiter in a pool of rich and delicious greek mythology. Lastly, the cover and the artwork and illustration arranged in this Issue may as well be an ode to Goddess Themis, a keeper of justice and a representation of who we see today as the Lady of Justice. 37

Thank You Sponsors! The magazine has been published by Dictum Society, sponsored by The College of Law and Leo Cussen.