The Australian Legal Philosophy Students' Association hosted a lively lecture event on March 18, to launch the Association's 2008 program. The Launch, which was held at the Banco Court in the Supreme Courts Complex, consisted of a discussion of the topic: "Is nothing private? Privacy and the need for legislative intervention", and was chaired by Professor Sarah Derrington of the TC Beirne School of Law.
A large audience of students, academics, and legal professionals gathered to hear addresses from Justice Keane of the Queensland Court of Appeal, Mr Peter Applegarth SC, and Professor Suri Ratnapala, also of the TC Beirne School of Law. Justice Keane provided a close analysis of different judicial approaches to the question of privacy, and considered the way that privacy interacts with freedom of speech. Mr Applegarth focussed on the possibility of protecting privacy through torts, while Professor Ratnapala provided a jurisprudential background to the discussion, and explored the constitutional implications of privacy legislation.
Each of the distinguished legal figures who spoke at the Launch has strong connections with UQ: Justice Keane and Mr Applegarth SC both obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from UQ before progressing to a Bachelor of Civil Laws at Oxford University; Professor Ratnapala completed his PhD at UQ; and Professor Derrington has completed her Bachelors' degrees in Arts and Law at the University of Queensland, as well as her Masters and PhD in Law.
Since its creation in 2004 by UQ student Max Del Mar, ALPSA has enjoyed a close relationship with the University of Queensland. The TC Beirne School of Law has been a key supporter of ALPSA since its inception, and currently is the sponsor of the ALPSA National Essay Competition, which is now in its fifth year. Earlier this year, UQ students Nora Gotzmann and Ben Bertoldi were awarded second and third places respectively in the Essay Competition, continuing the strong results of UQ students in previous years.
ALPSA is dedicated to promoting the study and discussion of legal philosophy and ethics amongst students, academics and members of the legal profession. In 2008, the Association will be hosting further lectures, debates, and plans to stage an inaugural Legal Philosophy moot, in addition to the Essay Competition. If you would like to sign up to the ALPSA mailing list, enquire about supporting ALPSA, or would like any further information, please contact
alpsa2008@gmail.com