The Law Society of NSW’s “Just Art” exhibition opens tonight. The exhibit is a unique collection of artworks that reflect on the concept of justice and our justice system.

President of The Law Society of NSW, Doug Humphreys, says “Just Art” gives artistic members of the legal profession and artists who share a motivation for justice the opportunity to celebrate the rule of law through a creative medium.

These artworks fuse the world of law and expression to produce perhaps the most powerful collection of art in NSW exploring the concept of justice and the strengths and vulnerabilities of our justice system,” Mr Humphreys said.

Artworks include paintings, prints, digital illustrations, photography, video and portraits including those of the Honourable Justice Michael Kirby and the Honourable Justice James Macken.

A percentage of proceeds from “Just Art” will be donated to the President’s 2018 Charity, The Butterfly Foundation.

The People’s Choice Award will be presented on opening night tonight, Wednesday 27 June, 6:30pm.

When?

“Just Art” opens tonight, Wednesday 27 June 2018 @ 6:30pm and runs until 1 July 2018.

Opening hours: Thursday to Friday (8.30am – 6.00pm) and Saturday to Sunday (10.00am – 4.00pm)

Where?

The Law Society of NSW, Level 2, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney.

Can’t make it?

The catalogue can be viewed on The Law Society of NSW website.

Every year, all around the country (14-20 May 2018), the legal community celebrates a festival of law. The aim is to not only make the law and legal processes more accessible and engaging but also to enhance community understanding of the law and justice system.

Sound implawsible? (gettit)

Read on to discover what exciting legal events and free legal information sessions are happening near you.

What’s on near me? A few of our hot picks for Victorians

Law Week 2018 is bigger and better than ever with over 180 events taking place. Below is a selection of our favourites.

LAW WEEK FESTIVAL HUB AT FEDERATION SQUARE

What?

The Law Week Festival Hub is where you can find out more information about Law Week, talk to event partners, get free legal advice, listen to music, pick up a program, balloons and stickers, dress up in a photo booth, and make your very own fingerprint badge.

The Law Week information session series provides an opportunity to attend special events and presentations at the hub, where people can also speak with staff from various legal organisations. Check the program for times and the individual event listing for full details.

When?

Monday 14 – Thursday 17 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

ESPRESSO LEGAL LAUNCH – FREE LEGAL HELP, FREE COFFEE

What?

Free legal assistance and free coffee! A coffee van staffed by a barista, a team of lawyers and community information volunteers will visit new developments and isolated communities in the urban-rural fringes of the City of Whittlesea.

When?

Monday 14 May 2018

Where?

The launch of Espresso Legal will be held at the Mernda Central School, 70 Breadalbane Ave, Mernda VIC 3754, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on Monday 14 May.

TRIAL BY (SOCIAL) MEDIA – JURY DUTY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What?

Paul Dore, Victoria’s Juries Commissioner, leads a discussion on jury duty in the digital age.

Questions such as:

• Will the iPhone mark the death of the jury system as we know it?
• Can our natural inclination to Google information undermine the justice system?
• Is social media eroding the right to a fair trial?

Will be answered!

Learn about the good, the bad and the ugly side of technology and juries in 2018.

Where?

Supreme Court of Victoria, enter via 485 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

When?

Saturday 19 May 2o18, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

https://www.everyday-law.org.au/events/courts-open-day-trial-by-social-media-jury-duty-in-the-digital-age

Presented by Supreme Court of Victoria and Juries Victoria

Cost?

Free! Bookings not required.

COURTS OF THE FUTURE – HOW DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY MAY CHANGE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

What?

Learn how digitalisation and innovative technology may change the justice system.

Join one of Australia’s top digital influencers, Peter Williams, for an interactive talk about courts in the future followed by a panel discussion.

When?

Saturday 19 May

Where?

Waldron Hall, County Court of Victoria, 250 William St, Melbourne

Cost?

Free entry. Bookings not required

TOUGH ON THE CAUSES OF CRIME – PANEL DISCUSSION ON ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON FOR WOMEN

What?

Victorian Ombudsman, Ms Deborah Glass, will offer alternatives to incarceration for women, and what can be done to reduce re-offending, drawing from her report ‘Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria’.

Presented by Women and Mentoring (WAM)

When?

Tuesday 15 May 2018, 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm

Where?

‘The Bowl’ – nab Melbourne, Ground floor, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Cost?

$10 Bookings essential

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

FAMILY VIOLENCE SEMINAR REGARDING LGBTIQ

What?

17 May 2018, is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDOHOBiT).

This WIRE seminar will feature a panel of experts and practitioners discussing responses to family violence in an LGBTIQ context. Important questions such as:

• What is family violence?
• How family violence affects the LGBTIQ community?
• What legal protections and support is available?
• What’s been done by the mainstream family violence sector to develop an LGBTIQ inclusive practice?

Julie Kun, WIRE CEO, facilitate a lively discussion.

When?

Wednesday 16 May 2018, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Panelists include:

• Rebecca Dahl (Senior Associate, Nicholes Family Lawyers)
• Matthew Parsons (Research Operations Manager, the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University & Research Officer, GLHV@ARCSHS)
• Liam Leonard (Director, GLHV@ARCSHS, La Trobe University)
• A Safe Steps representative

Presented by WIRE Women’s Information

Where?

WIRE Women’s Information, 372 Spencer Street, West Melbourne

Cost?

Free. Bookings essential

More information

Everyday Law Victoria

EXPLORING THE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF GAY, LESBIAN AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN VICTORIA’S PRISONS

What?

There has been international consideration on the experiences of gay, lesbian and transgender (‘GLT’) people in prisons. This dialogue, however, has not reached Australia. There is no reference to the unique experiences of GLT people in Victoria’s corrections guidelines, regulation or legislation.

This panel discussion will examine this issue compared with international best practice, current scholarship on the issue, and advances made in similar jurisdictions. It will feature a panel made up of individuals working in Victoria’s criminal justice system, as well as advocates of the GLT community. The objective of the event is to educate, inform and encourage future consideration of the issue.

When?

Tuesday 15 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

DECODING PRIVACY PROTECTION IN AUSTRALIA: FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CHALLENGES

What?

This lunchtime event, featuring former Victorian Privacy Commissioner, David Watts and privacy by design expert, Bridget Bainbridge, will reflect on recent events in the area of privacy and data protection.

It will seek to promote an understanding of future government directions in data protection space, such the proposed Consumer Data Right.

Speakers will discuss their frontline experience of embedding privacy compliance in the private and public spheres. The event offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can effectively manage and oversee the use of personal data in the era of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

When?

Wednesday 16 May 2018, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Where?

La Trobe University City Campus, Room 2.15, Level 2, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne

Presented by La Trobe Law School

Cost?

Free! Bookings essential.

More Information

Everyday Law Vic

LAW IN THE DIGITAL ERA: WHAT GOES INTO CREATING INVESTIGATIVE PODCASTS?

The phenomenally successful ‘Serial’ and other investigative podcasts have ushered in a new age in journalism and focused the public mind on the legal process in a whole new way.

Listen to this one-off podcast to hear from the people behind TRACE (Rachael Brown) and Phoebe’s Fall (Richard Baker), together with ABC Radio National’s The Law Report (Damien Carrick), as they discuss the intricacies and hurdles in producing an investigative podcast in today’s legal landscape, and how this format can raise public awareness of law enforcement and the justice system.

Hosted by Lynne Haultain, Executive Director of Victoria Law Foundation and former ABC broadcaster.

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

COURTS OPEN DAY

When?

Saturday 19 May 2018

For a day, Victorian courts open their doors to let you see behind the scenes. It’s a great day out for the family, offering plenty of children’s activities.

From 12pm – 2pm in the County Court forecourt kids can enjoy face painting by Laurie The Face Painter, while also being entertained by The Great Gizmo! A Juggler, Magician, Unicyclist, Clown and Ringmaster.

There will also be a sausage sizzle from 11 am, with all monies raised supporting Berry Street – an independent child and family welfare organisation.

Supreme Court of Victoria

• 10:00 am Old High Court exhibition
• 11:00 am How find you? A juror’s experience
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tours of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 1:30 pm ‘You be the judge’
• 2:00 pm Trial by (social) media: jury duty in the digital age
• 3:30 pm Two Famous Cases

County Court of Victoria

• 10:00am, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm ‘Day in the life of an accused’ tour
• 10:00 am Behind-the-scenes tours of the County Court
• 10:30 am, 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm ‘I Plead Guilty Your Honour’ mock hearing
• 11:00 am Mock Koori Court
• 12:00 pm Parole, you decide
• 1:00 pm 12 Good Citizens: Jury empanelment session
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tour of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 2:30 pm Bailed out: The role of the barrister

Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

• 10:00 am Welcome by the Chief Magistrate
• 10:15 am ‘All Stand’ Magistrates’ Court bail mock hearing
• 11:00 am Koori Court information session
• 11:30 am Drug Court of Victoria
• 12:00 pm Career as a Court Registrar information session
• 12:30 pm Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) information session
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tour of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 1:00 pm Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) information session
• 2:00 pm ‘Walk in her shoes’ tour
• 2:00 pm Road Trauma Support Services Victoria presentation

VCAT

• 11:30 am How VCAT works

Court Network

• 8:45 am Information stall

Children’s Court

• 10:00 am Information stall

CORONERS COURT MOCK TRIAL: ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What?

Be a witness at the inquest into the accidental – but possibly preventable – death of a Bayside resident, at the Coroners Court of Victoria.

Narrated by RocKwiz and ABC radio’s Brian Nankervis and starring the State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey and her staff of the Coronial Centre, the mock inquest will also feature guest roles from the folk at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

The Coroners Court is an inquisitorial rather than adversarial court. No-one ends up in jail and future lives are often saved through its recommendations. What goes on there is nothing short of fascinating.

Presented by Coroners Court of Victoria

When?

Monday 14 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where?

Coroners Court of Victoria, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank

Cost?

Free! Bookings essential.

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

DEALING WITH CRIMES MOTIVATED BY RACE OR RELIGION

What?

Presenters from Victoria Police, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and Fitzroy Legal Service will address crimes motivated by race or religion.

They will cover what racial and religious attacks are (physical, verbal and damage to property), the definitions of racial discrimination and racial vilification, and where to go for help.

If you need an interpreter, please advise when booking.

Funded by a grant from Victoria Law Foundation.

Presented by Fitzroy Legal Service, City of Yarra, Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Carringbush Adult Education

When?

Monday 14 May 2018, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where?

Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond

Cost?

Free

#METOO AND THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

What?

Talking Justice is a thought-provoking and enlightening series of public conversations that explores diverse perspectives on what we mean by ‘justice’ in Australian society today. Join writers, social commentators and legal practitioners as they tackle some of society’s most wicked problems.

This year’s Talking Justice series opens with a timely conversation about the #MeToo movement. A long battle has been fought for women to feel safe to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse, where for too long such incidents have been unchecked and perpetrators not held to account. Now as the #MeToo movement gains momentum and more women come forward to share their experiences, some observers suggest that due process is not being properly extended to the accused. Others have argued that the presumption of innocence is a legal standard that does not apply in everyday life and that we should question whether due process is being demanded for reasons of justice or as cover for something less sincere. Are the concerns regarding due process and presumption of innocence valid? How can the rights of the accused be balanced with accountability, change and the need to create a safe environment for women to share their stories?

Social commentator and writer Van Badham is among the speakers at the event.

When?

Thursday 17 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

CONCERTS

What?

Judges and members of the legal profession from Victoria come together to perform two short operettas based on the famous cases of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co and Donoghue v Stevenson (the snail in the bottle case).

Be entertained and informed as the stories behind these famous cases are retold in humorous songs set to well-known Gilbert & Sullivan tunes, written by New Zealand law lecturer Stephen Todd. Presented by BottledSnail Productions.

When?

• Thursday 17 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Friday 18 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Saturday 19 May 2018, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Where?

Law Library of Victoria, Supreme Court, 210 William Street, Melbourne

Cost?

$30 (full price) and $23 (concession)

More Information

FREE LEGAL ADVICE

Across Victoria

Monday 14 – Sunday 20 May 2018

Attend free legal advice sessions on topics including scams, mediation, copyright, end of life planning, wills and estates.

For a full list of events in Victoria this Law Week Everyday Law.

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGE 

The Hon. Justice Fabian Gleeson
Judge of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of New South Wales, and 2018 NSW Young Lawyers Patron.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES 

Emily Aitken
Employment and WHS lawyer, Seyfarth Shaw, and Vice Chair, NSW Young Lawyers Workplace and Safety Law Committee.

Further Information

NSW Young Lawyers

• Phone : (02) 9926 0182
• Email: ylgeneral@lawsociety.com.au
• Website: lawsociety.com.au/goldengavel

The Victorian Parliament will soon consider new legislation on voluntary assisted dying. The proposed laws come after recommendations made in The Final Report of the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying and would allow Victorians with a terminal illness, disease or medical condition to seek a medically assisted death.

What will the proposed changes mean for Victorians?

Victoria Law Foundation presents a community forum to explore what the proposed legislation could mean through a panel discussion of experts covering legal and health perspectives. The panel will also discuss how the Final Report’s recommendations could affect persons receiving or working in palliative care.

When

Thursday, 26 October 2017 @ 6.00pm – 7.30pm.

Where

Deakin Edge Federation Square (Cnr Flinders Street & Swanston Street Melbourne Vic 3000)

Panel

• Julian Gardner AM
  

Member of the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying; Lawyer; Chair of Mind Australia

• Steven Amsterdam
  

Palliative care nurse; author

• Kathy Wilson
  

Lawyer; Principal, Aitken Partners (Succession & Elder Law Team)

• Dr Scott King

Clinical Director of Palliative Medicine at Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem

Facilitator 

• Lynne Haultain 

Executive Director, Victoria Law Foundation

How to book

This is a free event but you must register to attend:

BOOK HERE

Venue accessibility

Hearing loop

A hearing loop is provided in Deakin Edge.

Accessibility

Deakin Edge is wheelchair accessible. Please enter Federation Square’s The Atrium from
Flinders Street. The Atrium lift (from The Square to The Atrium) is currently being
upgraded and will be closed from August – December 2017. Accessible toilets can be
found in The Atrium. Arrangements can also be made to enter from the Federation Square Car
Park. For more information see http://fedsquare.com/accessibility

Further Information

Email: contact@victorialawfoundation.org.au
Phone: (03) 96048100

The Law and You Forums are community events that explore areas of law that affect Victorians and their lives. The forums are hosted by Victoria Law Foundation.