Obiter, Issue 2, Semester 2, 2013

the ndsls

obiter

Rachel Bennett, Social Justice Director: The International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia

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Week Four Semester Two Volume Two 2013 the notre dame sydney law society

From the

notre dame sydney law society

acknowledgements Obiter Issue Two, Volume Two Editor Caroline Michel Contributors Eden Christopher Sean D’almada-Remedios Design Alexander Carlos NDSLS Committee 2013 Executive Eden Christopher, President Natalie Baladi, Vice-President Daniel Austin, Secretary Sean D’almada Remedios, Treasurer Directors Jacob Deigan, Careers Julia Lavers, Competitions Aidan Williams, Education Peter Gray, IT Alexander Carlos, Marketing Caroline Michel, Publications Dominique Hermo, Social Events Rachel Bennett, Social Justice Lauren Absalom, Sponsorship Year Representatives Adrian Vincent, First Year Shelby van Ooran, Second Year Caitlin Gallagher, Third Year Sean D’almada Remedios, Fourth/Final Year Contact the Editor Contact the Committee www.ndsls.org

Editor

Caroline Michel

Hello all,

I danced, I played piano, and I wanted to be an actor. Whilst I

As I write this, Chopin’s ‘Aeolian

will embarrassingly admit that

Harp’ (also known as Etude in A

I still do all those things, more

Flat, Op. 25 no. 1 plays through

often than not, I find that we are

my headphones and a pile of

quick to place the sports and

work is looming closer to my

activities that make us happy

computer, no matter how far

and relax us on the backburner.

down the desk I place it (and

I think it should be the other way

yes, it is a literal pile of work). I

around. My goal for this week

have taken a day off my nerdy

has been to procrastinate in

campaign job with a federal

useful ways! Instead of baking

MP to enjoy even more nerdy

an impromptu cake, I pulled

pursuits it seems. Alas, the life of

out some old music to learn.

a law student.

Instead of sitting and watching TV, I went for a walk in the sun.

Really though- I’m listening to

Procrastination isn’t always a

this music because sometime

bad thing- it’s important to take

before I started this whole law

a break from busy work and

thing, I was classically trained

study periods to give yourself

in piano. I have been slaving

some time to focus on what

over this piece all week, trying

makes you happy, and what you

to remind myself of how easy it

enjoy doing. It makes returning

used to be. Also, classical music

to the looming pile of work that

stimulates the brain more than

little bit easier!

the top 40 hits. Apparently. I have no source for that.

Don’t forget that NDSLS committee voting opens

As you enter a busy time in

next week! Voting only

the semester, when work can

takes a minute and is really

literally pile up on your desk

important in ensuring that

while you try your best to ignore

next year’s committee is the

it, it’s important to keep in mind

best representation of student

the myriad of other talents,

interests…your interests.

skills and qualities you possess other than being a busy student.

That’s all for now!

Though it seems like a lifetime ago, I enjoyed creative pursuits.

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Caroline

the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

From the President, Eden Christopher

In this issue:

Week 4 already.

Calendar

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NDSLS Online

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Farewell to Roszanna

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Competitions at ND!

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significance next year and into the future.

Inaugural Social Justice Lecture

My first assessments are in Week 5, so I’m a little bit worried heading

Law and Politics

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Welcome Back College of Law!

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Student Profiles

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YourSay

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Elections next week.

I don’t know about you guys but there is a lot going on! We had a modest turnout to our mature age meet up on Wednesday nothing like our first one - and it has encouraged me to do it again later this semester. What it also has made me realise is the real need for a mature age representative on the NDSLS, and to have a representative every year.

The year representative roles have usually been quiet and a way to see what happens on the society before putting your hand up to take on further responsibilities... but, I think we will see these roles grow in

into this weekend. I’m hoping to come out of it with a lot less stress and a lot more knowledge.

I hope all of you can relax a little coming into final semester and that you come out of this semester as a whole having achieved everything you’ve wanted.

We also say goodbye to Roszanna next week! Roszanna is the heart and soul of this institution and has been a big part of the culture we all enjoy today. I hope you can all make it to our event next Wednesday to celebrate Roszanna’s time and to enjoy some time with each other as we head into a new chapter for the Law School.

Yours in law, Eden el presidente’

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Upcoming Events

august

sept

26

NDSLS Committee voting opens

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Pirate Themed Social Event (5pm, The Lansdowne)

28

Mooting Practical Workshop (12:30pm, Law School)

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Mooting and Paper Presentation registration closes

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2014 NDSLS Committee announced

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

The NDSLS Online Connect with us on all of our online portals to make sure you never miss a story!

facebook.com/NotreDameSydneyLawSociety twitter.com/NDSLS youtube.com/NDSLS www.ndsls.org

Social media enquiries: Alexander Carlos, Marketing Director Website enquiries: Peter Gray, IT Director

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Farewell to Roszanna Introduction by Caroline Michel At the NDSLS, our focus is on students, and

we realise we have no idea what our Arts

enriching the student experience. However,

or Commerce major is, or when we want to

the wonderful effort our dedicated Law

graduate but haven’t finished Logos. I also

School staff put into their work every day does

know that she has assisted a lot of students

not go unnoticed. Whilst the NDSLS does its

who were feeling overwhelmed or behind in

best to aid and help students in all of their

their studies; a lot of people have said to me

endeavours, the faculty at our wonderful

that “without Roszanna, I wouldn’t be doing

university work even harder for this goal.

Law”. Roszanna was and still is a mentor,

One faculty member we would like to thank

guide and friend to all of us, and she will be

in particular is Roszanna Hazlewood, the

fondly remembered. We wish Roszanna the

Law School’s Senior Administration Officer.

best of luck in all of her future professional

Roszanna will unfortunately be leaving our

and personal endeavours. Best of luck for

Law School next week. There is no doubt

your bright future Roszanna!

that Roszanna’s smiling face and calming presence has assisted each and every one of us at some point in our degree, when

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

A Reflection A person’s time at University puts

In a School with a very open door

them in contact with many extremely

policy to begin with, Roszanna

influential and intelligent people-

always seemed to go above and

as law students that statement is

beyond in ensuring that her door

doubly true. To consider who tops

was never closed at any time of the

that list would be very difficult with

day and I am sure in that regard she

such a highly esteemed academic

has missed her lunch break on more

staff, guest legal practitioners and

than one occasion.

gifted peers. However, for me, one person stands out on the list of

I would like to wish Roszanna

influential and intelligent- and that

every success in all of her future

is Roszanna Hazlewood. My first

endeavours. Wherever she goes

reaction on hearing Roszanna would

next will have gained an immense

be leaving us was in the realm of

asset- an asset that will be truly

“Oh crap, there goes my degree”, a

missed in our Law School.

sentiment that I know was mirrored by several of my peers.

Goodluck and Goodbye

Roszanna has been so instrumental

Anonymous

in the lives of the Law Students of this university, from her calming words, administrative magic, and helpful assignment and study tips.

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Competitions at ND! Don’t forget to sign up to our Semester Two

with the highest scores will then progress to final

competitions: Mooting and Paper Presentation!

rounds.

Sign up for both of these competitions closes on Friday 30th August 11:59pm. You can sign up

Don’t forget! That we are holding another

online here.

Mooting Practical Workshop on Wednesday August 28th at 12:30pm in the Law School

Mooting:

Boardroom. Our very own Robert Pelletier, who

To moot is to simulate a mock case whereby

will be judging the competition, will run this

in teams of two solicitors, there is a given

session.

fact scenario which teams are to appeal the fictional judgment of. This requires the research

Paper Presentation:

of relevant law which is formulated into a

The Paper Presentation Competition is the cutting

submission and then delivered orally. Oral

analysis of a legal topic. A silent competition,

presentations take the form of a conversation

Paper Presentation involves researching and

between the solicitor and a judge, where the

writing a legal essay of between three to five

judge may probe the case of each side with

thousand words and then presenting it before

questions. Submission may last up to 45 minutes,

a panel of judges. Competitors compete

after which each side will receive a critique of

individually and the papers may be written on any

their case in the form of a deliberation, with a

legal topic. The aim of the presentation to assess

final judgment ruled on.

the competitors knowledge and engagement with the subject matter and as such the panel may

This year, we’ve altered the judging structure

ask questions to test the understanding of the

so that although you compete in a team of two,

competitor on their chosen topic. Competitors

you are each scored individually. The individuals

are assessed on both the essay and the delivery.

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

Inaugural Social Justice Lecture

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notre dame sydney law society

Law and Politics: An Interview with Emily Dunn

By Sean D’almada-Remedios With the federal election rapidly approaching

this would require much more of an enquiry

and the campaigns of all parties well and

than this article can provide but perhaps a

truly underway it is an interesting time to

more interesting question that may ignite

note what the politicians hopeful to keep

some personal reflection is - have you ever

or gain their seats share in common. Across

thought about entering politics?

party lines something is clearly noticeable, a considerable number of politicians past

If so, when? Maybe after a fruitful legal

and present have had a legal background.

career or maybe a bit sooner. Final year

To name a few- John Howard, Julia Gillard,

Notre Dame Law student Emily Dunn has

Phillip Ruddock, Joe Hockey and Greens

started early and in the upcoming federal

MP Adam Bandt. The list goes on; in fact 12

election is a candidate contesting the seat

out of 23 of Australia’s prime ministers had

of Reid for the Democratic Labor Party. I

been lawyers prior to their political pursuits.

had the pleasure of meeting with her and discussing how her legal education interacts

What’s the connection? Is it that those in

with her political aspirations. Here are her

law have a genuine interest in the public

insights.

sphere? Or possibly that the skills and knowledge possessed by lawyers gears them for success in politics? An answer to

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

What drew you into politics?

Has studying law helped?

My main drive was based on the fact that we

Definitely,

live in a democratic society where there is

communication skills. Writing or speaking

nothing stopping anyone from participating

concisely in plain language that gets an

in the law making process to amend wrongs

argument across is an important skill that

and injustices. I wanted to be part of that

I have developed in my time at law school.

process.

Also the ability to think quickly and respond

especially

in

regard

to

to questions on the fly is another skill that is Where those aspirations around before

well developed by a legal education.

you started studying law?

Yes. Studying law might have strengthened

What will happen if you win your seat in

them but it wasn’t a case of my experiences

the election?

at law school making me want to enter

I am realistic in regards to the chances of

politics.

a minor party taking a seat when they are up against the major parties who have

What has your political involvement so

the resources to fund a full scale election

far been?

campaign. Our results are more important

I have been involved with the DLP for some

in regards to preference distribution in their

time now. I contested a seat in the 2011

effect on overall outcome. However, on the

State election, and had also contributed to

optimistic side I’d still have time to finish

policy development prior to that.

this semester and graduate before making the move to Canberra.

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notre dame sydney law society

We would like to acknowledge the College of Law for being a loyal Notre Dame Law sponsor.

We thank them for their continuous support and their commitment to ensuring we have access to be the best information when it comes to getting admitted to practice in NSW and around Australia.

We encourage all of our penultimate and final year students to attend our second PLT seminar which will take place later this semester. Find out more about the PLT programs offered by the College of Law here.

Once again we thank the College of Law for being a sponsor in 2013 and we look forward to building on this brilliant partnership into 2014 and beyond.

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

Student Profiles!

Our newest segment I’m pleased to announce that we have a new addition to the fortnightly Obiter - Student Profiles! The idea is to interview a friend or colleague of yours studying Law at Notre Dame, and send it in to us to include in the next edition! You can send or ask these questions to anyone - a close friend, a lecturer, or someone you’ve just met in class.

It’s a great way for all of us students to get to know each other better and learn something new about the people we see everyday. Anyone can submit a profile- you can use the set of questions I have included in this edition as a framework or add some fun/interesting questions of your own!

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notre dame sydney law society

Elyse Di Stefano Age: 19 Degree: Bachelor of Laws/Arts (Major: Politics & International The university’s ‘small town’

Relations) Current

year

of

degree:

feel is definitely one of its greatest assets. Here at ND,

Second Year

I know my all lecturers on a

By the end of my degree, I

talking basis, which means

honestly hope that I’m able

interests you the most?

that their help and advice is so

to work in an area of law that

International law has always

accessible.

I’m passionate about. I’m still

What

area

of

the

law

unsure of what that area is,

fascinated me from a young

but I’m sure I’ll find out soon.

age. I think it is really interesting

On top of that, the amazing

to see its impact (or lack of)

people I have befriended at

on both the international and

this uni means that I love

Favourite hobby outside of

domestic spectrum.

coming in everyday without

uni

fail. The small class sizes mean

Naturally, I like arguing with

What do you enjoy most

we all get to know each other,

people so debating has been a

about studying law?

which creates an awesome

thing of mine for a while. Apart

I love studying law because

support network. One of the

from that I dabble in playing

it impacts on every aspect

best things I’ve gotten out

guitar really badly and looking

of our lives. From how we

of the uni so far is making

up dog-breeds for a pet my

conduct ourselves in public to

awesome friends who I know

parents still won’t let me have.

buying things from a shop –

will be mates for life.

Person you admire the most

it’s fascinating to see how the law dictates so many things we

What are your goals for the

simply take for granted.

future?

Caroline Michel for putting her

Admittedly, I hate this question

blood, sweat and tears into

What do you enjoy most

because I find it so hard to

getting this publication out

about Notre Dame?

answer!

every fortnight. You go gurl.

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It would have to be Miss

the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

Amber Wallace Age: 19 Degree: Law/Arts (Politics & International Relations)

What do you enjoy most

Current

about Notre Dame?

year

of

degree:

What I love about Notre Dame

Favourite hobby outside of

is, coincidentally, the thing I

uni

was most concerned about

As my major suggests, I’m a

interests you the most?

before coming here: the size.

bit of a politics nerd, so I’ve

So far, I’d have to say that

I often call our uni a ‘small

been getting quite involved in

criminal law has been the most

town in the middle of the city’,

the ALP election campaign. I

interesting.

meaning we really get the

also love to make and listen to

really old, bizarre cases and

best of both here.

It’s also

music of all sorts, and I dabble

seeing how our attitudes have

great that it’s so new- I look

in some intervarsity debating

changed over the years.

forward to watching ND grow

here and there.

Second Year What

area

of

the

law

I love reading

and develop further over the What do you enjoy most

Person you admire the most

years.

about studying law?

Julia Gillard (I’m sure you saw

Law really is the backbone

What are your goals for the

that coming, but bear with

of our society - the more we

future?

me). I’m in awe of her strength.

enquire into it, the better off

At the end of my degree, I hope

Regardless of whether we

we all are. I also love learning

to have some idea of what I

agree or disagree with her

about the way that justice is

would like to do with the rest

politics, she has gone where

carried out so that some day I

of my life (because right now

no woman has gone before,

can be part of that process in

I have no clue)!

But I know

and has helped pave the way

some way. (Actually no, all of

that I’ll leave here with lifelong

for women in male-dominated

that’s a lie. I really just want an

friends and a great start to my

professions, reminding us we

excuse to work obscure Latin

tertiary education.

are capable of anything.

phrases into my vocabulary)

keep on learning, more than anything else.

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I aim to

notre dame sydney law society

YourSay Recently, the WA Supreme Court ruled against Gina Rinehart in a case involving Western Australian Newspapers and Journalists. Rinehart’s ‘failed bid’ was to force a Perth journalist to reveal his confidential sources.

The decision has been described as positive for the journalism community, by enacting ‘shield laws’ to protect journalism ethics of confidentiality.

Do you think that journalists should be legally protected from revealing sources? Or does this allow corruption in journalism?

Have your say by submitting 100 words or less here.

How to Contribute The Obiter welcomes original student written pieces. If you would like to have something included in our publication, don’t be shy- we are now accepting a range of original works whether they be short articles, long essays or maybe just a piece of advice for other students.

As long as they are focused on a legal or university related issue/topic we would love to publish your work! If you are a budding writer why not send us something?

You can either upload your document here, or email it directly to Caroline, the Publications Director at publications@ndsls.org. It’s that easy. We look forward to hearing from you.

Disclaimer: All submissions will be considered for publishing provided that they do not contain offensive language or themes. The NDSLS reserves the right to refuse a submission if it is inappropriate.

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the obiter , issue two , volume two 2013

The NDSLS would like to recognise the significant contributions of our Gold Sponsors. These sponsors have been with us for many years and have made significant contributions to YOUR society during that time. Check out their website and Like them on Facebook to stay informed on how they can help you more.

Copyright and Disclaimer Š The Notre Dame Sydney Law Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the express permission of the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society.

This is a publication of the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society. Its sponsors, contributors, the University of Notre Dame Australia, its affiliates or its employees do not necessarily endorse any facts or opinions contained within this publication.

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