Law Report

Latest Episodes:

How should the law respond to cults and groups that coerce and control? Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

The Victorian parliament has published a groundbreaking inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups.

Among the inquiry's recommendations are world-first laws to criminalise coercive control behaviours by groups.

The legacy of William Ah Ket, Australia's first lawyer of Chinese descent Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

It's 150 years since the birth of William Ah Ket, Australia's first lawyer of Chinese descent.

He was involved in two significant legal victories that kicked back against laws that discriminated against Asian Australians in the early 20th century.

The Law Report explores the life and career of this remarkable Australian, his achievements and how his legacy resonates today.

Fifty years of 'no-fault' divorce in Australia Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

This year marks 50 years of the Family Law Act – legislation that revolutionised the way Australians divorce. Two former family law judges sit down with Damien Carrick to revisit a time before no-fault divorce, when unhappy spouses often employed private detectives to prove adultery.

The dilemmas of parole board decision making Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

What is it like to have the responsibility of deciding if a violent offender should be released from prison and allowed back into the community?

New employment law pathway to hear sexual harassment complaints Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

In a legal first, the Federal Court has handed down a sexual harassment decision under protections recently introduced to the Fair Work Act.

Who should pay when prison guards or police officers cause injury? Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

If a child is injured by tear gas in a youth detention centre, are the authorities liable? And can a protester injured by police during a demonstration seek damages?

Why a UK court upheld the Palestine Action terror ban Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

The Court of Appeal in London ruled that it was open to Britain's home secretary to designate the Palestine Action protest group as a terrorist organisation.

Should a complainant's counselling records be used in a sexual assault trial? Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

The Law Report looks at the Victorian government plans to ensure health and counselling information is not used in court without the consent of victim survivors, who will also be given the choice to pre-record their evidence ahead of trial.

Is there a place for AI in boardrooms and the courts? Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising all parts of the economy and our institutions — corporate boardrooms and the courts are not immune.

A bushfire starts on your property and spreads to your neighbours - are you liable for their losses? Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

A court has found that a South Australian farmer was responsible for setting fire to a pile of vegetation that was left smouldering and reignited six months later, causing a devastating bushfire.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected