Summer Law School kicks off in Byron Bay

Leading academics, practising lawyers and budding legal eagles will meet in Byron Bay next week for the 13th annual Summer Law School run by Southern Cross University’s School of Law and Justice.

The Summer Law School, which attracts students from across Australia and overseas, will this year run from November 22 to December 22 offering units in public interest advocacy, human rights and Advanced Advocacy.

High profile guest presenters at the Summer School this year include Southern Cross University Chancellor The Hon John Dowd AO QC, federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin MP, and The Hon Greg James QC, chair of Southern Cross University’s Law Advisory Committee, former NSW Supreme Court Judge and current President of the NSW Mental Health Tribunal.

Summer Law School co-ordinator and lecturer for the human rights unit of study Associate Professor Sam Garkawe of Southern Cross University’s School of Law and Justice, said students in his unit would learn more about how they could make a difference.

“The emphasis of the unit will be the protection of human rights within the 10 nations of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – our close neighbours and an area of growing importance to Australia,” said Mr Garkawe.

“One of the key issues to be analysed will be the issue of human trafficking within, into and out of ASEAN, and how Australia can help alleviate this very serious problem.

“We will also look at the international and relatively new ASEAN human rights regime, how they might interact and other specific issues, including the appropriateness of the hybrid court established to try former leaders of the Khmer Rouge for mass violations of human rights in Cambodia.”

The Summer Law School traditionally offers a range of niche and non-mainstream subjects and is aimed at students, lawyers, industry professionals, senior bureaucrats or anyone requiring knowledge and understanding from the units on offer. Students can choose up to two units, which are delivered intensively, depending on the length of time they wish to study and their particular interests.

Mr Garkawe said the Summer Law School was popular with law students and academics alike.

“The Summer Law School presents law students with a unique opportunity to get credits toward their law degree at their own university and to network with students from all over Australia, while also enjoying the lifestyle in Byron Bay,” said Mr Garkawe.

“It’s an exciting and academically rigorous program - and it’s in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.”

Photo: Associate Professor Sam Garkawe will be running a unit on human rights at the Summer Law School.