Torts Illustrated (Issue 3, 2016)

TILLUSTRATED ORTS ISSUE 3 | 2016

issue three twenty sixteen.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, King & Wood Mallesons, Minter Ellison, QUT PLT and Thomson Geer Lawyers for supporting the QUT Law Society and allowing us to produce this quarterly publication.

Particular acknowledgment goes to the publications group, Helen Driscoll, Kate Droney, Emily Ryan and Nina VVos. On behalf of the 2016 Media & Communications team, we hope you can continue enjoying the Torts Illustrated magazine for the final half of this year, and many issues to come.

Contents Editor’s Welcome .......................................1 From your President .......................................3 What has the Executive been up to? .......................................4

PokemonGo or PokemonNo? .......................................11 Baring it all - Onsen .......................................13 Doing it in a Dress .......................................15 Me before Euthanasia .......................................17 Law Revue Review .......................................19 The Value in Cross-Discipline Networking .......................................21 The Best Jobs To Get You Through Law School .......................................23 The Law of Happiness .......................................25 Paper Presentation: Artificial Intelligence .......................................29 Feeling The Pressure of Time .......................................31 Legal Horoscopes .......................................33 Contact Us .......................................38

From the Editor Claudia Choi

VP of Media & Communications QUTLS 2016

On behalf of the entire Media & Communications team, welcome to the third issue of Torts llustrated for 2016.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the former Vice-President for Media & Communications, Nikki Keijzer, who had to step down from her position at QUTLS because she’s rocking it out elsewhere – you go girl! Whilst Nikki may not be with us anymore, you will no doubt see her strutting around the Lawbry in her fashionable outfits that are to die for! #ootd Secondly, to the Media and Communications team that I have had the pleasure of working with this semester, thank you for your continuous hard work! Thank you to Kate Droney, Helen Driscoll, Emily Ryan, Nina Wos, Laura Faulker and Erin Laird.

To all QUT law students, let it be acknowledged that you have nearly survived another year of law school. Endless days and nights spent in the Lawbry, surviving on coffee or red bull, chomping down on a burrito or stuffing your face with HSP, has all been worth it.

It’s tough being a law student. Clerkships and grad positions are important but there are limited positions and excelling in academics is crucial, but we also need to gain work experience… so when do we study? And let’s not forget the time we need to relax and spend time with family, friends and bae (or baes). It’s hard to find a balance, and your mental wellbeing may be affected.

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So to all law students I say this. It’s okay to make mistakes, to feel down and to take a break from the stress of being a law student. And as cliché as this sounds, I urge you to pick yourself up, talk to someone if you need to and keep going - you got this! So good luck to everyone in their upcoming assessments and remember… fours open doors!

Onto a happier note, this issue of Torts Illustrated will include articles written by our fabulous publications officers as well as submissions from various QUT Law students. From PokemonGo and Law Revue to articles on competitions and life as a law student, you will be thoroughly enthralled.

Enjoy! xx

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From your President Harriette Watson QUTLS President 2016

Take a deep breath as we enter into yet another mid-semester-assessment-storm that none of us have prepared for.

Fortunately, we have a little fun in store for you once the assessment has all been handed in.

The QUT Law Dinner on Saturday 17 September is fast approaching and, thanks to the fantastic work of the Events team, it’s shaping up to be an exceptional night.

Our QUT Law Revue is just around the corner, and I cannot encourage you enough to attend what is guaranteed chuckles. A few dozen students have put in hours and hours of work throughout assessment periods to bring the event together and they need your support to make it all worth it. We also welcome a few star Faculty Members brave enough to bust out their acting socks for the event, so I suggest you purchase your tickets ASAP and come along to the Garden’s Theatre on Wednesday 7 - Friday 9 September.

Our elections will be held on Saturday 10 September, and anyone who is yet to put in an application, I strongly encourage you to do so.

Over the last 3 years in the QUT Law Society I have learnt so much, met so many fantastic people, and had so many incredible experiences.

I can’t tell you enough how much you will benefit from giving it a go.

On Thursday 22 September, Shona Fitzgerald, Alastair Page and I will be making a fool of ourselves at the QUT Law Comedy Debate.

Please come along and indulge me as I 3

desperately try to be funny whilst insulting many people who tell me they are quite important.

The QUT Law Society and the QUT Law Faculty have some pretty awesome things planned for World Mental Health Week commencing Monday 10 October, so make sure to plan some extra procrastinating time at uni that week.

And finally, a shout out to all of the fantastic QUTLS Committee members who have been working so hard all year to bring so many awesome initiatives to their fellow students.

Keep on slogging out until November 30 team!

Study hard, stay in school kids.

Harriette

What has the Executive been up to?

As one semester comes to a close and another is not far away, we thought to let you in on what your Law Society executives has been up to...

Stuart Williamson QUTLS Vice President 2016

As we approach exams, I look back on the semester and remind myself how proud I am of this year’s cohort. From Law Ball to Law dinner, the students continually showed up and enjoyed the calendar year.

For me, the highlight was the Indigenous Reconciliation Breakfast. While breakfast was held for only the second time, it came as no surprise that it was well attended. It was inspiring to hear not only the President of the Queensland Law Society, Bill Potts, but so too our very own Indigenous student, Mikaela French. All those who participated should be congratulated.

Looking forward, I ask the students to keep in mind Mental Health week. For the first time, QUTLS has partnered with Beyondblue in an attempt to better support students who are challenged with the stress and pressure of law school. This is a fantastic initiative and one that will be continued in years to come.

From myself and the QUT Law Society, thank you for your support and good luck with the exams.

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Radhia Aku

QUTLS Treasurer 2016 Dear Friends, Congratulations we’ve made it halfway through another year!

With the finish line in sight, I urge you to stay open-minded and positive, and make your very best efforts over the semester. I also hope that you will take the time to acknowledge and celebrate everything you have accomplished so far.

Last semester I had the honour of working alongside a number of students in the QUT Law Society to ensure a smooth sailing of transactions and finances. Among the many events hosted by the QUT Law Society, we’ve had great success in financing one of our biggest events, the QUT Law Ball. I sure hope each and every one of you enjoyed the ‘sweet escape’ from university lectures and tutorials and danced the night away!

This semester I hope to continue my role in maintaining responsible management of the QUT Law Society’s financial records. Over the next few months I aim to continue reducing taxes (through the mutuality principle), with a view to increasing our disposable income. What this ultimately means is bigger and better things ahead!

I wish all the very best for the rest of the year as it comes to a close!

Sarah Nguyen QUTLS Secretary 2016

Hi! I’m Sarah Nguyen and I am the QUT Law Society’s Secretary for 2016.

I’m currently studying a double degree in Law and Economics. So far this year, my role as secretary has involved delving into the nitty gritty behind the works of the society itself.

Semester one was relatively calm, however this semester has been quite exciting with the recent SGM and Election for the 2017 QUTLS Committee. I had the fun (read: stress and other relevant adjectives) of putting together the procedures and thankfully it all ran pretty smoothly.

If you’re an associate member, the society is looking at changing part of its Constitution soon so stay tuned. I want to extend a massive thanks to our lovely President, Harriette, for helping me carry out my role this year!

Finally, while I enjoy my role, the best part has been the ability to dabble in other portfolios and lend a helping hand, especially the Events team and I’m super keen to see what everyone has planned for next year’s calendar.

Have a great rest-of-2016 ya’ll!

Madam Secretary out.

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Ethan Hyde

QUTLS Vice President of Mooting 2016

Additionally, the Moot Club is convening the annual QUT High School Moot Competition, designed to identify and prepare the next generation of mooters.

Lastly, to aid students with their end of semester blues, the Moot Club will be conducting a comedy moot – keep an eye on the Facebook page for further details.

If you have any questions about mooting, law school, or the meaning of life, send feel free to email them to director.mootclub@qutlawsociety. com I wish you all the best of luck for the semester!

This semester has given the Moot Club many opportunities to provide support to students interested in mooting.

Shona Fitzgerald

QUTLS Vice President of Competitions 2016

The plethora of QUTLS mooting competitions taking place in semester 2 means that many workshops are scheduled to take place.

Whether the competition is introductory in nature, such as the Herbert Smith Freehills Junior Moot, or more complex, such as the Clayton Utz Commercial Arbitration Moot, all competitors are strongly encouraged to attend.

Introducing students to the basics of mooting and providing them with the skills they need to successfully compete are the purposes of the workshops.

By attending the workshops, you will be able to avoid some of the common pitfalls that have been the undoing of many mooters’ submissions.

Make sure to keep an eye on the QUTLS Moot Club’s Facebook page for details about upcoming workshops.

Workshops, however, are not the only way by which the Moot Club offers support to students.

This semester the Moot Club provided assisted the QUT team in their preparation for the inaugural Grudge Moot against UQ. The team – Laura Falkner, Alesha Banner and Marisol Gray – ultimately prevailed in a hotly contested moot.

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Competitions kicked the semester off with the first ever Grudge Moot against UQ. Congratulations to the QUTLS team for taking home the trophy! May the perpetual shield always live at Gardens Point.

Thank you to sponsors Ashurst and Corrs Chambers Westgarth for your continued support of our young mooters. Thank you also to the UQ Law Society for co-hosting the event.

While the Competitions Team took a break to recover from semester 1, some busy students prepared submissions for the Herbert Smith Freehills Paper Presentation Competition.

Congratulations to winner Harrison Bell, runner up Yale Choi and second runner up Ryan Underwood!

The Clayton Utz Commercial Arbitration Competition has just wrapped up.

Congratulations to winners Helen Driscoll and Michael Webster and runners up Nicola Atkinson and Sneha Mukherjee.

Thank you to the sponsors for this semester who provide us with the resources to make sure our student members are developing practical, real-world skills to use after graduation.

Thank you also to our volunteers so far this semester, we would be no where without you.

I’d particularly like to thank the repeat offender volunteers Jake Stacey and Kate Jamieson.

Finally, thank you to my officers Yanery Ventura Rodriguez and Eva Sheppherd. These girls are life savers and I would achieve nothing without their continued support.

the Judges Associate Panel, and the In-House Counsel Panel.

One very important event the Education team run is Wellness Week held in Week 10.

Law students are able to relax and learn how to de-stress and reduce anxiety. This has become a prevalent issue within the legal profession and at law school, and professionals will be attending on the day to talk to students. We are also making sure we run several fun activities throughout the day, to ensure you all take a break from the textbooks.

The Mentor Program welcomes new law students to QUT this semester. There has been excellent attendance by both mentors and mentees, and it’s great to see so many students taking the time to help and guide others.

I look forward to seeing as many of you during the Semester, and wishing you all the best for Semester 2!

I have come to the end of my degree, however my message to you all hasn’t changed – get involved with competitions!

Give mooting a crack or just come along and volunteer. I guarantee you will learn one thing every time you get involved!

Bianca Parmar

QUTLS Vice President for Education 2016 Semester 2 is flying by and there are many events to look forward to. In Week Four of this Semester, we held the Indigenous Reconciliation Breakfast at The Pullman.

There was an excellent attendance by students and professionals alike, which was fantastic to see. The speakers raised some excellent points and issues within the legal industry between Indigenous Australians. I would strongly encourage students to attend this event in future!

Other events being held this semester include 8

Liz Singleton

QUTLS Vice President of Sport and Health 2016 I hope your mid-semesters are going okay.

Mine aren’t.

Claudia Choi

QUTLS Vice President of Events 2016

Since our last update, social sports has kicked off again for semester two. The Netball, Soccer and Touch teams were in high demand, but are (sometimes) successfully playing other social teams each week whilst building on friendships with different people from the law school. An important endeavour when you have 4,000 classmates! Social sports will be back again next year so keep an eye on the newsletter/FB page if you are interested, it’s great fun and a fabulous stress-reliever!

In week 2, QUT law students battled it out against Griffith, UQ and Herbert Smith Freehills in the Law Cup. After a hard fought day, we ended up second overall, coming third in the touch comp and a very close second in the netball comp. A huge thanks to Hey friends! everyone that played for getting involved, it was a great day of camaraderie and free sandwiches!

Good news: We’ve made it through half a semester Coming up this semester is possibly the biggest Bad news: We’ve still got half a semester to go (and last) event of the sporting year, the Rugby Grudge against UQ! If you play rugby, I want to In terms of events, it has been a quiet semester! hear from you, as we are currently assembling the Sadly, we cancelled our UQLS x QUTLS x GULS team to try take back the cup from the defending Battle of the Bands event – boo! I hope the champions. If you don’t play, get keen to come event will still continue to run next year because spectate. There will be drinks, food, music and an I want to see all you law students rock it out. after-party – a can’t miss event!

I can’t wait to see you all there.

Good luck with mid-sems!

Liz

In happier news, the Law Dinner is here! This event isn’t just another excuse for us to dress pretty and get wasted (although it’s the main reason)… we will be having a special guest speaker who will be providing insights into the legal industry!

The Law Dinner will not be possible without the hard work of my events team. So thank you to Nick Arndt, Harry Bell and Yehanka Ranasinghe for all their hard work!

Good luck to everyone with assessments! Don’t forget to eat and sleep properly and drink lots of water – because we all know you thirstyyyyy! xx Claudia

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9/02/2015 10:49:54 AM

PokemonGO or PokemonNO? With our much beloved childhood anime coming to life, have you truly considered the cause and effect of catching ‘em all?

Sebastian Nicholls QUT Law student

With the recent release of the geotag game Pokémon Go, it is refreshing to see masses of people turning away from their computers and electronic devices… well sort of… to opt for actually going outside for a walk. Yes, the outdoors still exists.

However, this new emerging trend has already reportedly created elements of chaos and received its share of backlash from unsuspecting hosts of virtual Pokémon battlegrounds, aka Gyms – where players congregate to pit their virtual critters against one another – or PokéStops – a place to resupply.

While the trend is new and details on the ability to opt-out of being tagged for the game’s virtual world are still limited, it could raise legal issues and questions in the future about “geotagged land ownership” – who owns the rights to virtually geotag a real-world location – and what could become “geotag nuisance” – virtually geotagging locations in the real world without consent.

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If you have ever travelled to London and stopped in at Notting Hill, chances are you have made ways for a little blue door, known for its role in the district’s namesake movie, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

This little door, while it is not a lot to see, attracts hordes of tourists every year – which to the owner’s dread must make them say to themselves every morning “winter is coming”.

While the residents of the little blue door made the purchase years after the movie – knowing full well of the home’s unofficial tourism status – it is not surprising, as you stand in the cold London street looking for your chance to stand next to a piece of movie history, to find out the little blue door is now lost among the standard bleak and bland – non-blue – doors of its neighbours (unless recently changed).

Why, you might ask? An attempt by its owners to reportedly reduce the attention received by their home’s door from the attending cohort of tourists – and who can blame them.

So the question remains, if the piece of ground where you happen to lay your head becomes a virtual Mecca overnight for any particular reason, what can you do and where do you stand legally? Especially if it just happens to be outside the bounds of your abode. Chances are, right now, perhaps not a lot? In the interim this may seem like a trivial annoyance but what happens if, as their use grows, these virtual markers begin to collide with virtual commercial counterparts and real life businesses – who has the rights?

But before we know it, these will not be the only important questions to be asked.

What powers do police and authorities have to regulate these activities?

What rights do we have personally as private individuals?

And who controls the commercial rights?

Just imagine, what if some bright spark decides to create a virtual racetrack on public roads using these same geotagging augmented technologies – albeit not condoning breaking road rules or speed limits – could we see a mass of drivers take to roads that simply cannot cope with the increased capacity? Where does that leave other drivers simply trying to get from point A to point B? But it is not all doom and gloom, these technologies will have their place, their benefits and uses for commerce, entertainment and convenience. But as always, with technology, we must face the problems before we solve the problems.

QUT first year law student Bobby Nair tracks down elusive Pokémon on campus at Gardens Point.

Photographer: Tom Prisk Editor: Sebastian Nicholls

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Baring it allOnsen Read firsthand the experience of a QUT Law student in Japan.

Helen Driscoll

QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 During the mid year holidays, myself and three other QUT law students had the opportunity to intern at Mitsui & Co in Tokyo through the New Colombo Plan scholarship program. We had the most marvelously magnificent time, which makes it immensely difficult to select a favourite momento! After some contemplation whilst I sit on this airplane onto my next adventure – shopping up a storm in Singapore – one activity that is a particular stand out in my mind is one where I stripped down to my birthday suit and bathed with many, many strangers.

No, I’m not talking about some wild evening of escapades and shenanigans in Tokyo, but visiting the Onsen in Monogatari, Obdaiba area. Onsen means ‘hot spring’, and is the name of what is called a communal bathhouse where men and women go to relax, revive, rejuvenate in a spalike metropolis, completely and utterly naked. Myself and four other students made the journey on our first weekend of the program. I had heard so many things about these bathhouses, all very positive, and was eager to experience it for myself.

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The building itself was large and of a very traditional exterior design, sitting in the middle of nowhere. Upon arrival, we were required to remove our shoes and place them in the first locker of many, collecting our first key – almost like it was a bit of a puzzle! The Onsen was very busy, although there were no other western tourists to be seen. I selected a peachy pink and cream kimonolike wrap with a gold silk sash before heading off with the lovely Rhiannon into the ladies changing room, whilst the boys went to theirs. We stepped out of our clothing and placed them inside the next set of lockers, collecting the next key. After some momentary confusion as to whether undergarments were kept on, it was soon established that was for the next section.

We entered locker room three and realised this was it. With some nervous giggles, we gingerly bared all and were handed a very small hand towel to use if feeling shy. The doors of the Onsen opened, and we stepped into a different world. Multiple baths of all different temperatures, functions and depths was at my disposal. The baths were pumped with special spring water, believed to

have healing and cleansing properties.

Ladies of all ages walked around comfortably, happily and peacefully, unphased by their nakedness. The Onsen was quiet, and as relaxing as what I had been promised. We ventured into the outside area, where warm rock pools and individual wooden tubs beckoned invitingly. Groups of younger women chattered away together in social little areas, evidently on a girls day out. Others solely enjoyed their own company emanating expressions of pure bliss even with eyes closed, as the steam rose around them.

It was easy to forget you were a bare as the day you had been born. It felt very natural, liberating, and freeing. It was quite bizarre to think for the first time in my life, I was completely exposed to a large amount of strangers. Stretching out on the rocks and half drifting in and out of a light, I thought firstly about how I haven’t sat bare-toushed on a rock since I was three years old, and secondly how amazing it was that I was completely okay with it - and in fact loving it. To me, I thought it was wonderful women of all shapes and sizes were happy to be just themselves, literally, in a public environment. I felt so much positivity, self-love and selfnurturing. It was so invigorating and eye opening. At the end of the day, underneath a multitude of clothes, hair, makeup, accessories carefully assembled and selected to build an image of ourselves and portray it to the world, we are all women, the same each but unique, special and different.

Upon exiting the baths one sits at one of many stone vanities, on a little wooden stool. There, I was able to shampoo

and condition my hair while covering myself in a luxurious body wash. Rinsing with timber buckets of warm water, I feel like a Queen. On venturing back into the little room where we left the undergarment essentials, it suddenly felt odd to semi-dress, the little shy towel long forgotten. Rows of dressing tables were then at our whim. Pink, covered in pretty little lights and equipped with an array of moisturisers, creams, hair dryers, straighteners, heated combs, hot slippers – you name it. Smelling like roses and skin feeling soft as a baby, I slip back into my kimono and feel like a new woman.

We ventured out into the communal area to join our gentleman friends and get the down low on their experience.

The communal area was yet another planet all together! Food and little shops lined a large dining hall with an imitation night sky. Just as well, all that relaxation had made me positively ravenous. We sat down together over a solid feast of soba and discussed, coming to the conclusion this was an immaculate idea and would definitely be keen to strip down again in the future.

Before reluctantly returning to our respective changing areas, we ensured a few excellent group shots were snapped looking snazzy in our Japanese getups (please see excellent group shots looking snazzy below).

In conclusion, anyone thinking of checking out a communal bathing hall, I highly recommend – it will be the most invigorating way to be completely vulnerable in the warmest and most welcoming atmosphere. We should definitely endorse such in Australia.

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Do it in a Dress “This year I’m DOING IT IN A DRESS for those who can’t”

Courtney David QUT Law Student

As a law student, you spend lots of time procrastinating and contemplating life.

I’m sure other students can agree they’ve had moments where they’ve questioned their degree, their future career and their entire human existence. That feeling that you have no direction and ponder over whether there must be more to life than just textbook readings and drinking away your sorrows every weekend.This exact feeling of purposelessness is what inspired me to become more involved in extracurricular opportunities and to make a difference in my community beyond the legal profession.

When you reflect on the endless opportunities you’ve experienced throughout your education, whether it be meeting industry contacts who have given you a job, job interviews, entering in mooting competitions, meeting lifelong friends, travelling, being able to pass (generally) all of your university courses, it makes you realise how different your life would be if you hadn’t received an education.

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So imagine being a young girl living in Sierra Leone, Africa (one of the worst places in the world to be born a girl) and being repeatedly sexually abused and denied the opportunity to receive an education SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU’RE A GIRL……

You wouldn’t have been able to apply for that job you work every day at and take for granted.

You wouldn’t be able to choose who you spend the rest of your life with, you would be forced into marriage and pregnant at the age of 14.

You wouldn’t have been able to have the privilege of choosing your profession and instead would be at home, struggling to feed and care for your family and loved ones.

One Girl is an Australian founded notfor-profit organisation with an aim to educate ONE MILLION GIRLS in Africa by 2020. Their focus is in Sierra Leone and Uganda, two places where young girls are more likely to be sexually assaulted than they are to go to high school.

Their organisation generates their funding through: • • • •

Do it in a Dress Donations Run like a Girl Other fundraising initiatives

This money goes toward 4 key programs: • Launchpad- a program dedicated to educating girls about women’s hygiene. Studies have shown that it is because of the problems that girls experience when they have their periods that they can lose up to 12 weeks of school each year.

• School Awesomisation- a program dedicated to building and refurbishing schools.

• Business Brains- A program designed to develop girls’ business skills and equip them to run their own businesses as a long term solution to their financial hardship.

• Scholarships- A program that funds EVERYTHING a girl needs to finish school (Books, bag, uniform, school fees, shoes)

Do it in a Dress is just one of the many ways the community can contribute to the organisation. My Ambassador campaign runs from August 8thDecember 31st 2016. As an ambassador I need to raise at least $3,000 by October 31st (I’m aiming to RAISE $5,000). This is a HUGE goal and I will need all of the support I can get. So do not be shy to contact me about any ideas you have to contribute to my campaign if this is something you are passionate about getting involved in. And I assure you will receive plenty of media coverage and a great addition to that CV of yours along the way!

To find out more about joining my team or registering for Do it in a Dress go to the LINK below and keep an eye out for updates about fundraising events: https://www.facebook.com/

One Girl Ambassador: Courtney David

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Me before Euthanasia The Hollywood Blockbuster that’s causing a storm for Australians and their policy-makers

Rianna Shoemaker QUT Law Student

Based on Jojo Meyes 2010 novel, Me Before You, the movie adaptation of the same name was recently released to cinemas the world over – with terrible effect.

The plot follows 26-years-young Louisa ‘Lou’ Clark: bright, funny, kind and ‘chatty’ – as she self-titles herself in the film – but with not much in the way of career prospects. To make ends meet, she takes a job as a full-time caregiver for quadriplegic Will Traynor, ex-business extraordinaire and son of billion-dollar parents. Despite initial guardedness on Will’s part, the two bond over time as Lou discovers exactly how deep Will’s loss is.

Although depicted as a cute and quirky romance, the novel is much more hardhitting. It explores the effect of disability on families, gang-rape and, most significantly, euthanasia – and its cousin ‘assisted suicide’.

There has been immense global protest from the disabled community against Me Before You. The controversy is due to the perception that the film portrays 17

those with serious disabilities as a burden on their carers and would be better off dead. This protest has been led by several celebrities with disabilities and activists from the organisation ‘Not Dead Yet’ in the United States. They’ve even created a new hashtag to support their cause: #mebeforeeuthanasia.

In Australia, the issue of assisted suicide is stringently debated by citizens and policy-makers alike. On the 16th of August a debate was held at the Brisbane Powerhouse entitled ‘Politics in the Pub: The Ethics of Euthanasia’. The panellists included learned educators from across Queensland who came together to discuss the controversial issue which is consuming Australian politics.

There certainly appears to be a strong demand for it by some and everyone possesses an opinion on the issue. But is it ethical? And what repercussions could it have for the Australian legal field?

Andrew McGee, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the Queensland University of Technology, wrote an article

for The Guardian about euthanasia and assisted suicide. In the article – entitled ‘Why Australia hesitates to legalise euthanasia’ – McGee comparatively explores both sides of the coin.

He describes it as a ‘slippery slope’ and warns against making hasty decisions in regards to what he calls ‘a vulnerable issue’. McGee identifies a considerable grey area which policy-makers must address in order to enact legislation: where do you draw the line and how do you define, on a case-to-case basis, who is deserving of assisted suicide? Equally important, should assisted suicide be limited only to those of physical suffering or should it include mental and psychological ailment as well?

But the question arises: if we include mental deterioration in the list of possible symptoms to be examined, how can we determine the legitimacy of a person’s suffering, and, most significantly, if their subjective case is serious enough to permanently end their life?

A ‘slippery slope’ seems an apt description indeed.

The governing legislation in Queensland is the Queensland Criminal Code 1899. Section 311 – under chapter 28 – Homicide-suicide-concealment of birth – describes the legislation regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide as follows: ‘s 311: Aiding Suicide Any person who – (a) procures another to kill himself; or (b) counsels another to kill himself or herself and thereby induces the other person to do so; or (c) aids another in killing himself or herself;

is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for life’.

A life imprisonment is the most serious sentence a person can be awarded.

Evidently, the Queensland legislation regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide is unforgiving. However, in this respect, the other states of Australia appear to be in agreement. Only the Northern Territory has legislation which clearly legalises euthanasia, in some circumstances.

A research paper published on the Parliament of Australia website provides more information. Located under the sub-category The Australian Law in an International Context, the paper discusses the Australian laws surrounding ‘active voluntary euthanasia’ and defines it as ‘when medical intervention takes place, at the patient’s request, in order to end the patient’s life’. The article is extensive and even goes as far to discuss the laws in the Netherlands, which are considered some of the most contemporary euthanasia legislation in the world.

Evidently, there is a lot to consider.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide is a matter of law which has significant consequences and should not be taken lightly. There are many determinate factors which must be taken into consideration, and re-writing existing legislation has always, and will probably remain, to be a much more difficult task than creating new legislation. However, with an ever-expanding populace of Australian citizens who favour choice – in many aspects of the law – it is something that must be discussed at length before the Australian parliament can make a decision either way.

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Law Revue Review Holmes & Watson - In Search For Absolute Proof...

Anna Wilson

Performance Attendee & QUT Law/Journalism Student Holmes and Watson in Search of Absolute Proof, written and directed

by Zoe Watson and Lewis Holmes. The Queensland University of Technology Law Society hosted the production in the QUT Gardens Theatre, performing on both the 8th and 9th of September.

The performance featured an underlying story of the infamous Sherlock Holmes as a frustrated law student searching for a case to satisfy his compulsive obsession with curing his boredom, coinciding with sarcastic and passiveaggressive sketches and songs about the life of a law student.

The Sherlock Holmes chapter was displayed in between the skits, always making the audience giggle at the ironic and ‘TV soap like’ introduction.

Lewis Holmes portrayed the unique and intriguing character of Sherlock Holmes with much integrity, while maintaining the comedic value that the rest of the show delivered.

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The audience became star struck, when the notorious law faculty staff and lecturers appeared on stage for a performance discussing their distaste in the pet peeves that they ‘deal’ with daily from the QUT law students. Law Lecturer John O’Brien also made a star studded appearance in the Sherlock Holmes chapter, portraying the selfish villain who black mailed Sherlock, which the audience couldn’t stop laughing at.

The combination of the film, songs and sketches illustrated the daily struggle that fellow law students could understand and appreciate, while twisting the show with a spice of political satire and gratefully received sarcasm from the audience, creating a successful performance of Holmes and Watson in Search of Absolute Proof.

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T he Value in Cross-Discipline Networking Create more opportunities for yourself and network across all disciplines…

Emily Ryan

QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 The value to be gained from networking with your law student peers, legal academics and legal professionals is obvious. A host of untapped potential lies in areas other than law. For those who have already realized that lawyers should socialize outside of the law bubble for their health and sanity, feel free to devote yourselves to other articles. For those who haven’t and are still singularly focused on anything and anyone that deals in law, read on.

I recently spoke to a lawyer working in Environment and Planning in a commercial law firm in Brisbane.

Coincidentally, she is also a current board member for FutureNet’s Brisbane chapter. FutureNet is an organisation for people who work in the built and natural environment, encouraging them to develop the valuable networks and non-technical skills that are essential to success in today’s competitive marketplace.

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She explained that given the way the law is changing, there is nothing more valuable than young professionals developing relationships across disciplines. You start as grads together, and maintain and grow your personal and professional relationships over the years. Eventually, you all begin to take on roles of greater responsibility within your respective firms and consequently become able to make more influential business decisions. It’s at this point that your relationship really begins to blossom and reciprocal work relationships begin to emerge.

We were having this conversation in the context of Environment and Planning law where the reciprocal relationships that could exist between engineers, architects and lawyers are obvious. However the same type of model could apply across any number of industries such as banking and finance, construction or litigation.

Particularly in the commercial law space, this kind of relationship building with clients, both current and future, is

becoming more and more essential. If you can come into your first years as a Senior Associate with a whole swathe of successful professionals, across a range of relevant disciplines, that you can call friends – then you become an incredibly valuable asset to your firm.

Not only a savvy career move, crossdiscipline networking is also a great way to meet different types of people

and expand your professional circles beyond those from the legal industry.

You can expand your understanding of the general commercial atmosphere in Brisbane and keep your finger on the pulse across all key industry areas. Even if no work ever comes out of it (which is unlikely), you will undoubtedly become a more skilled conversationalist and will display to clients your ability to engage with their areas of expertise.

For your information, here are some societies operating around Brisbane that are all about breaking down the disciplinary barriers and realizing how the full spectrum of young, emerging professionals can really work together.

Young Professionals Networks The aim of the AIIA Qld Young Professionals’ Network is to guide and support students and young professionals with the background in International Relations and related disciplines, in all aspects of their academic, personal and professional development. http://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/ qld/be-involved/young-professionalsnetwork/ FutureNet FutureNet is for young professionals who work in the built and natural environment, encouraging them to develop the valuable networks and non-technical skills that are essential to success in today’s competitive marketplace. Architects, engineers, environment and planning lawyers and property development specialist represent just some of the industries involved. https://www.consultaustralia.com.au/ FutureNet/QLDfuturenet/brisbaneevents. aspx

Business Chicks Business Chicks believes that great stuff happens when women come together to uplift and inspire each other. When women stop competing and start lending a hand; when they give of themselves and their expertise so that others can benefit from it; it is possible to imagine a world where women feel part of something bigger than themselves and feel safe to give anything a go. https://www.businesschicks.com.au/events Emerging Professionals’ Network The network welcomes enthusiastic, driven and committed professionals employed in financial, accounting, legal, property or associated industries. http://www.epn.net.au/

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T he Best Jobs to Get You T hrough Law School For those seeking to subsist on something more substantial than mi goreng and passion pop PLUS earn some takeaway skills.

Emily Ryan

QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 Going to university is no longer something that can be approached as a full time job. Not only do you need to support yourself, whether you are living out of home or have a rampant shopping problem your parents refuse to support, you need to get something on your resume that you can claim adds value to you as a future full-time employee.

I’ve done the legwork and these jobs pay in cash and have actual “legal skill” potential. That said; I am a big believer that you can take any employment and put a spin on it in an interview – we’ve often got more skills than we give ourselves credit for.

will assist your team in whatever capacity they require. This may involve trying to resolve obscure research questions, preparing briefs, creating document drafts, helping to collate and present information or preparing relevant case notes. This is a great way to begin developing the skills you will employ as a graduate lawyer and to observe your fellow lawyers, senior associates, special counsel and partners at work.

2. BARRISTER’S ASSISTANT / SECRETARY “A person who assists a barrister with his work, in any capacity required.”

Working as a barrister’s assistant is a fantastic way to learn your way around 1. LAW CLERK / RESEARCH CLERK the full spectrum of court and legal “A person who performs specialized documents. Depending on the barrister clerical work associated with legal practice you work for, you could be typing dictated and law courts, with the exact nature of letters or advices, acting as a secretary or the work determined by the area of law running errands as needed. This is a great their employer specialises in.” role to learn practical skills and the proper This is the classic law-student position. professional demeanor by osmosis.

Working in a particular area of law, you 23

3. SETTLEMENT CLERK “A person who, largely, acts as a representative of various clients at property settlements.”

If you’re looking for a job that gets you away from a desk and moving around the city, working as a settlement clerk is for you. This job can be stressful when things don’t go as planned and tight deadlines are breathing down your neck, but equally, it gets the adrenaline going.

This type of work calls for a keen eye for detail and expert time management skills. It also demands flexibility and an ability to problem solve under pressure.

It may not involve high level legal work or drafting, but it certainly equips you with essential skills to take forward. As an added bonus, the settlements often take place at law firms all over the city and so consequently, it also presents a fantastic networking opportunity.

4. LAW FIRM SECRETARY / ADMIN “A person who acts as an administrative assistant, trained exclusively in the field of law.”

Working in an administrative capacity at a law firm is a great way to understand the way a firm functions. You are directly interfacing with clients and partners alike and can make connections with everyone around the office. Obviously, exact role descriptions will vary across positions but this is generally a great all-rounder position that allows you to get your foot in the door with a firm. Often, the hardest thing is getting in. If you can get over that hurdle, half the battle may be over.

5. MAIL ROOM ATTENDANT This role description is self-explanatory and may seem once removed from the legal team. However, working as a mailroom attendant is possibly the greatest stealth networking position (challenged only perhaps by secretarial or admin staff) on the list. You get to know people from all over the firm and your face becomes a regular fixture. More than that, once you’re in a firm you can let your winning personality shine, meaning that when it comes time to apply for seasonal clerk positions you’ve already got your foot in the door as someone they know, who already gels with the culture and people of the firm. The next step is just to wow them with your legal skills!

Even if you don’t end up working part time in an area that’s even remotely legal whilst you’re studying, that doesn’t mean you aren’t taking away valuable skills you can apply to a legal role in the future.

Keep your eyes out for any law-related jobs, or non-law jobs in a law firm, and give it your all.

QUT Law Student & Paralegal at Hatzis Lawers

Ryan Underwood 24

Law of Happiness “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”

Bianca Banchetti QUT Law student

These are the words of Franz Kafka; a once dispassionate lawyer turned writer and one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. His words represent a critical juncture in our social conscience and the Law profession alike.

Throughout history, being a ‘lawyer’ has carried with it the label of ‘prestige’ and ‘power’ and the offspring of its implied achievement – happiness.

Even though half of lawyers are the most likely to experience symptoms of depression, they are also the most unlikely to be diagnosed with depression.

“One is almost tempted to go to law school and put up a sign that reads: Beware, toxic profession,” says Justice Shane Marshall in response to the high levels of mental illness in lawyers and law students.

Justice Marshall was a Federal court Judge for 20 years and has only recently untangled himself from the 25

web of stigma to openly admit he has been suffering from depression due to the insurmountable stress caused by his work.

More alarmingly, he advises, “There is evidence now suggesting many students considered depression to be part of the price of becoming a lawyer.”

As the centuries have unfolded and given way to ‘modern’ times, the contemporary pursuit of success has come at a high price. While we lose ourselves in its momentum, the rise of modern life turns fast the wheel of the rat race encouraging us to pursue ends that cannot justify the means, damaging our well-being in the interim.

It’s comparable to Aristotle’s description of a businessman, a person who seeks wealth as a bridge to something else; what wealth can purchase, rather than the joy that ensues from doing what you love, purely for its sake. To pursue one’s

passion, Aristotle famously said: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

graduate lawyer at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and recent QUT graduate.

It may sound esoteric, but it would seem that the Legal Profession, and concurrent research in Australia, is agreeing with the wisdom of the ancients and Kafka alike.

Law, while being the most black and white profession of them all, is acknowledging the need for the colour that only the pursuit of your true passion, your true sense of self, can bring.

“I think it is very easy to get caught up in the ego and atmosphere of law school and forget why you are there in the first place. You start with good values and a strong ethical background but the environment you are in instills values of competition,” she says.

“There is something more fundamental to the profession that needs to change, in what we do and how we see ourselves,” says Associate Professor Rachael Field.

Professor Field is pioneering the wellbeing movement in the Australian Law Curriculum. Her ethos and research echoes the voices of the ancient Athenian philosophers and advocates the importance of being true to oneself. “Be authentic and true to who you are,” she advises.

“Being true to yourself is sometimes really difficult and you have to take a few risks.

You have to back yourself and know if what you’re deciding is right for you,” says Professor Field.

Almost 50 percent of law students experience twice the levels of psychological distress compared to medical students. While lawyers are the most likely of all the professions to suffer from anxiety.

In a modern context, what it truly means to be a lawyer seems to have fallen through the rungs of the ladder of success. “Law as a helping profession has been lost,” says Samantha Boardman, a

She believes, like Professor Field, that the way law is portrayed, taught and practiced needs to shift. Rather, being a lawyer is an influential tool to effect change. “The power of being a lawyer is that you do maintain a level of status in society, and that status gives you influence. It is one of the most influential ways that you can help people individually and collectively,” she says.

According to new research, it seems students enter law under the guise that it is a ‘safe move’ which brings social security and status. A quarter of students both at the beginning and end of their first year of law school did not know why they were doing a law degree.

Justice Shane Marshall, now an Ambassador for the Well-being and Law Foundation delivered a compelling speech at the Wellness Network for Law held at the annual forum at ANU. He addressed the audience of academics by drawing from the tragedy of his own personal experience; “Law students should also actively engage in meditation and mindfulness techniques” he said. “It would also be of assistance for practitioners, academics and jurists who have battled depression to share their experiences with students”.

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Meditation and mindfulness may seem, at first glance, to be incompatible with the traditional concepts of Law. However a call for a more holistic approach and redefining what it means to be successful is the plight of leading academics both internationally and Australia-wide.

moulding themselves to this feigned media image. “We need to stay grounded and remind ourselves why we are doing what we are doing, why is it important to us.”

In the modern pursuit of happiness, purpose is drawn from the accumulation It is a stark contrast with the slick, of cars, careers and six-figure salaries. We combative image of television figures are creating a division within ourselves, like Harvey Specter from ‘Suits’, and Jack wedged in between the dogmas of McCoy from ‘Law and Order’. These legal society and the call to live an authentic, icons endorse the image that a Law career happy life. That said, perhaps it is best will bring money, status and security. left to Aristotle, the greatest judge of the good life, to hand down the final verdict: Samantha Boardman offers sobering “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the advice to the law students and lawyers work.”

From work placement to full-time job with QUT’s PLT

Ryan Nattrass

QUT Law Graduate Lawyer, Moray & Agnew Lawyers How did the opportunity to work with Moray & Agnew come about?

It came about through QUT arranging for my placement in the firm as part of my PLT program.

I fit in well within the firm culture and after the placement I was offered a full-time role.

Can you sum up in 1-2 sentences what you do?

I am an insurance lawyer who advises on liability, causation, and quantum issues whilst assisting in defending complex property and personal injury claims throughout multiple Australian jurisdictions.

I also have attended settlement conference and have experience in taking matters to trial.

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Paper Presentation: Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence and the Future...where will us fresh young law grads be?

Harrison Bell QUT Law Student

Recently, Herbert Smith Freehills held the annual Paper Presentation final in their brand spanking and shiny new offices on 480 Queen Street.

This year, the topic hit close to home: “How will artificial intelligence and other advancements in technology impact the way corporate firms will be operating in 2025?” The winner of this year’s competition is Harrison Bell - here’s what he had to say about the whole shebang: Technology is playing a central role in the transformation of the legal profession. Aside from well-established legal research programs such as Westlaw and Lexis Nexis, a variety of emerging systems, known as artificial intelligence or AI’s, are changing the way lawyers work and will continue to work over the next two decades. Even so, there is substantial stigma attached to AI’s whereby many see them as job takers.

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Throughout this presentation I will prove to you that by 2025 corporate law firms will be implementing more and more AI’s not just because they improve practices and access justice but also because they’re job makers.

A recent example of a firm adopting an AI was Clifford Chance, one of the big five “magic circle” firms in the UK, who announced a new partnership with software provider Kira. Kira is a form of contract analyser which has the capacity to improve the speed, quality and efficiency of the firms searches and analysis of contracts to ensure there are no legal loopholes or errors. A further example was Baker & Hostetler, a firm with more than 900 lawyers across America, recently adopting ROSS intelligence. ROSS has the capacity to answer legal questions by reading large bodies of law and returning topical readings rather than fumbling with Boolean combinations.

Andrew Arruda, CEO of ROSS, stated humans sit at the centre of ROSS which

assist with litigation preparation and is there to improve the efficiency of lawyers not make them obsolete.

strategy of the firm. Structural collapse has also been a possible issue whereby improved efficiency may lead to the reduction of associate lawyers, especially Lawyers generate extensive amounts if the intention is to use them for billable of information which contain valuable work rather than primarily to educate and experience and expertise however train them. Jay Leib, a prevalent American processing this can be costly, time AI developer, refutes the grounds of this consuming and often lead to duplication argument, stating clients are increasingly and the use of outdated cases. AI pushing back on paying for less programs incorporate external as well sophisticated, manual tasks. He states AI’s, as internal data into their configurations while not panacea, can free up associates which creates a supportive, efficient and time, so they can perform higher-level, effective research environment, improving more intellectually satisfying work, which productivity and profitability. The flow clients are more willing to pay for. This will on effects of increasing efficiency and lead to increased associate retention and decreasing costs will help to improve job satisfaction. access to justice for the ever growing While structural changes are likely, middle class. Rechtwijzer technology, the concern around employment developed by Hague Institute for opportunities is likely overstated. AI will Innovation of Law, is an example. This AI’s never completely replace lawyers. Legal allows parties to start a resolution process, problems and roles involve a balance enter into a negotiation, work through of human emotions and bonds which areas of dispute and then formulate cannot be made with clients and AI’s. an agreement. Mr Bevan Warner from AI’s simply compel firms to be pro-active national legal aid stated they weren’t in showing value elsewhere. Moreover, poised to introduce these types of AI’s machines will not speak in court for the at the moment, but have strong drivers foreseeable future and lawyers who are in towards adopting them in the future... highly specialized areas subject to rapid legal change will be relatively unaffected, Aside, from the decrease of employment because machines will work best in more opportunities, people are also afraid routinized and settled areas. of CHANGE. Lawyers being habitual characters often baulk at the introduction In conclusion, its imperative law firms are of new technology and data sharing. proactive in adopting AI’s by the 2025 as By implementing financial and nonit is a production tool that greatly benefits financial incentives and promote one legal research, the provision of quality on one consultations with software legal advice and to promote access to providers you will be able to reduce these justice. They should learn to adopt them initial barriers. This would also result in into their culture and business models or previously resistant and routine lawyers risk being left behind. leading the firm through the adoption of the AI rather having to change the overall

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Feeling T he Pressure of T ime Tick tock tick tock... is time running away from you?

Laura Howse

QUT Law student

After the dust and success from first year settles, we as students find ourselves placing more pressure on ourselves to succeed. In no other qualification does your GPA matter so much. We forget to reconnect with why we are at University and refocus on learning and enjoying, rather than worrying about our plummeting GPA. The pressure we put on ourselves to succeed is unwarranted and often results in sickness and stress that is self-inflicted. The energy we use worrying and overthinking could be used to face hurdles and achieve success, yet we aren’t able to successfully grasp this concept.

When you love what you do, a time constraint or deadline can be looked at as a challenge rather than a menacing shadow hanging over your head.

Society and university however, has fashioned a culture that says unless you are achieving your goals and excelling beyond them, then you’re not really achieving. This notion places enormous pressure on us as students to forgo what should be our number one priority, our health and happiness.

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For some people deadlines and pressure push them to excel, whereas for others, overcoming this is a difficult challenge. The deadlines we (most of us) place on ourselves can negatively affect the way some of us meet assignment and exam deadlines. At the completion of a task, we should feel pride - like when you run a race and win you gain accolades - but instead we worry about the next assessment task. It is important that we stop creating goals that are too high, too unrealistic and too unachievable goals that are beyond our capabilities, goals that make us lose focus of the task at hand. Overcoming this hurdle and establishing an attainable benchmark for ourselves is important to help guide us through the remainder of our studies and hopefully into the workplace.

Recently, the ABC radio discussed the negative effects pressure and stress has on us. There is a common thread between pressure in the workplace and at university and an increased use of cognitive enhancement drugs. Students and employees are

more regularly taking cognitive drugs to improve concentration, focus and decision-making. We as a society have created an environment where students feel they are unable meet expectations.

Therefore, as a justice thing, we have created a problem within society where we try to achieve goals through whatever means necessary. This means some may resort to breaking the law to achieve those goals. Using cognitive drugs is not necessarily at the forefront of everyone’s minds, but it is something that might cross the minds of those in a competitive environment, such as studying law. The irony though is that the use of cognitive enhancement drugs might get you through an assignment, but then you will have two to three days of feeling somewhat hungover, where you do not function very well at all - and in the overall scheme of things how is this productive?

We seem to think that there are not enough hours during the day to work, study and maintain a social life, and there isn’t enough time to commit to everything – but at what cost?

Sadly, we constantly hear or make excuses to not meet a deadline or to reach goals and complete tasks. This attitude is detrimental, and it’s important we overcome this hurdle. Take a step back, refocus and find that craving for learning again. With passion and balance comes the desire and ability to achieve greatness and success. Take advantage of the recent shift from old school teachings to a social media based platform for learning, and whether you think we have or not, embrace the new found “spare time” that we have been afforded.

Pressure has an overwhelmingly negative impact on our day to-day life. Its by no means easy, but striking a perfect balance between work and play without letting one area of our life suffer is vital to guide us through our studies and to manage the pressure associated with it. In the famous words of Dr Seuss - “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose”. Life is a great balancing act but it is okay to have a break and smell the roses, because at the end of the day nothing is more important than our health and happiness.

The only choice for PLT is QUT www.qut.edu.au/legal-practice

CRICOS No.00213J © QUT 2015 21808

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Legal Horoscope Forecasting ahead...

Helen Driscoll

QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 Helen apparently also has medium abilities and likes to gaze and wonder at the stars in her spare time. Also known as scrutinising astrology.com, and has kindly interpreted for you.

How v nice.

Are you feeling a little unsure about how those end of sem exams are going to play out? Are you wondering if you should finally gather the remints of your testosterone to talk to that goddess in your Equity and Trust’s tut whose aura distracts you from fiduciary duties? Are you scratching around the bottom of your car to find the extra ten cents for your fifty-cent cone? Are you feeling a little spooky and unopposed to the not so conventional?

Good. Let’s take a moment to gaze into the stars, and see what the rest of 2016 holds for you.

Aries: 21st March - 20th April In this second half of 2016, you should apparently be feeling more intune with your emotional perspective. Whether this be your unhealthy attachment to your Torts textbook or your cat that stares at you while you type the 33

authority Penfold Wines v Elliot onto your notes for the umpteenth time, I dunno. If you have a special talent, now is the time to use it, perhaps this refers to your secret ability to shred the d-floor, which you should bring out at Law Dinner post formalities.

Taurus: 21st April – 21st May Venus is inspiring a very resourceful September – November period.

My interpretation is that this means you should exploit those man friends who are overly helpful for study dates. The stars say a perfect mixture of communication, intellect and attraction is in your sights, so I think if like, you communicate your thoughts on Civil Procedure over coffee, love will automatically be in the air. You’re advised to make a pitch for productivity in the financial department, perhaps work on accumulating your 0.70 cents change from your Pantry so you be rolling by December.

Gemini: 22nd May – 21st June Gemini’s livewire mind is particularly electric in this time but it’s also important to stay grounded, be a bit

more reasonable and compromise with how much you can actually fit in. Hmm. Home truths.

Interpret and apply to yourself as you wish. Gemini’s this year thus far have been taking a pragmatic view of romantic interests apparently, my third eye vividly interprets this as you should throw common sense and Equity notes to the wind, and should do so at eg I dunno like Law Dinner or Let’s Get Rekt 3.0 or whatever number we are up to.

Cancer: 22nd June – 23rd July Fraudulent occurrences be on the horizon during the September-November period for those birthed in the Cancerian months.

So watch out for representations and statements made to you that seem too good to be true, maybe the ham and cheese toastie and coffee special for $5 actually was for Friday and it’s Monday now and the sign was left out to entice you. On a more positive note, you career prospects look to be fruitilicious (fruitful + delicious = fruitilicious), so turn on notifications for alllllll the posts in Fellow Suicidal Law Students on facey.

Leo: 24th July – 23rd August Celebrations of your birth have just been and gone, congratulations, you’re another year older and perhaps wiser. This is the time to ride in the start of your new year for affirmations and fresh ideas – but beware, the stars say someone might try to jump in your coat tails or rain n your parade! This could mean you should have your IP textbook tabbed and ready to regurgitate relevant principles when someone tries to claim your electronic highlighting idea or some ingenious clerkship cover letter template. Make sure anything you tell another on the downlow that its defs underwraps, and you’ll get them for breach of confidence otherwise.

Virgo: 24th August – 23rd September The next couple of months for those born in the Virgo moons will apparently benefit from disguising your motives and not revealing your hand (or all your submissions) so easily. But legal know how means that while this might be the direction of the stars, pls keep in mind not to remain silent in a misrepresentation/ ACL/misleading and deceptive conduct kind of way.* With the Sun in the sign preceding yours much of September and October as a preparatory feel about it. My third eye says this clearly means exams.

You should prepare for those.

Libra: 24th September – 23rd October HALT. The planet of impulse and drastic reaction is in your sign. Spontaneity is great and all but now is the time to tone it down. You may be called to assist someone through a tricky time, but also be wary that not everything is as it seems.

Maybe this means you should proceed with caution when agreeing to share your thoughts on that assignment, or those past student notes are manifestly erroneous. Beware of s137B of the ACL on your part, I sense this could be relevant.

Scorpio … 24th October – 22nd November Your house of status, career and public recognition is set to take a leap forward BUT the culmination of analysing many Scorpio horoscopes on the interweb has informed me that at the same time, you must be careful in giving people too much leeway while you are on this said heightened success. In the Venus department, Scorpio’s notoriously jealous side may be making an appearance.

Pls Scorpio, take the position of the reasonable person and mitigate your loss.

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Sagittarius: 23th November – 22nd December Something is about you change your view of the world in a super major way. The New Moon says to look further afield, and step outside the fish bowl. This could mean changing your scenery in the study department, it sure gets stuffy in a little room, take it to your local coffee joint.

Or there’s some wool over your sleepy encrusted peepers that is preventing you from a positive bigger picture! The joining of Venus and Jupiter says fleeting or distant romances have the potential to further this view, but don’t exercise to much reliance, there could be detriment.

Aquaris – 21st January – 19th Feburary You are surrounded by powerful intellectual resources and the stars encourage you to use them. This may not be in the form that you think. Your ego is given new strength over the next couple of months, but take precaution and channel impulsive feels. My inner psychic/ stars interpreting ability + astrology.com thinks this means you should be confident, but not in an omg-I-am-Harvey-Spectrethe-invincible kind of way, otherwise there may be need for ADR.

Pisces – 20th Feburary – 20th March Competition is heating up and temperatures are rising – I dunno if this is Capricorn: 23rd December – 20th like between you and a known person or January an actual competition. Apply as relevant.

NOW is the time to put your finances You should use your best endeavours to to use, but beware, do not be too hasty come to a mutually beneficial agreement, or you may find yourself in a change of but still express yourself. Ego conflict can position insufficient to prevent you being make such negotiations a tad tricky, but estopped. You may be inspired by the clarifying position can assist. Being in belief that someone else’s grass is greener, between birthdays, it’s time to culminate but should do away with that ASAP. You some self-awareness and make some deare advised to go on a frolic of your own, stress time. So, maybe get a pedicure or but unfortunately Splendour is well and something. truly over so you’ll have to skip through some random paddock with flowers in your hair instead. Don’t forget to Lo-fi it. #wanderlust

Disclaimer/ Exclusion of liability/Whatever: *Your future here is clearly LEGIT and should be taken SERIOUSLY so you can be HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL and STUFF. The publications team will not take any responsibility for any actions taken as a result of these crystal ball/astrological analysis. BUT you should DEFINITELY take HEED and ACT accordingly. The conveyance of messages from the stars are merely passing along and the reader is to exercise its own judgment in acting upon it, either to their benefit or detriment. This clause is not ambiguous at all. This font is definitely not smaller on purpose at all.

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Contact Us President Harriette Watson president@qutlawsociety.com Vice-President Stuart Williamson vicepresident@qutlawsociety.com

Secretary Sarah Nguyen secretary@qutlawsociety.com Treasurer Radhia Aku treasurer@qutlawsociety.com Vice-President of Education Bianca Parmar vp.education@qutlawsociety.com Vice-President of Competitions Shona Fitzgerald vp.competitions@qutlawsociety.com

Director of Moot Club Ethan Hyde director.mootclub@qutlawsociety.com

Vice-President of Events Claudia Choi vp.events@qutlawsociety.com Vice-President of Sport and Health Liz Singleton vp.sportandhealth@qutlawsociety.com Vice-President of Media Communication Claudia Choi vp.mediacommunication@qutlawsociety.com

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