Published: 7 November 2007
Two PhD graduates from the TC Beirne School of Law have been added to the 2006 Dean’s Commendation List for Outstanding Research Higher Degree Theses.
Dr Jonathon Crowe, Lecturer at the TC Beirne School of Law, and Dr Linda Haller, a Lecturer at the TC Beirne School of Law at the time of completing her PhD and currently Senior Lecturer at the Melbourne Law School, were recognised for making a genuine and substantial contribution to their field of research through their Research Higher Degree Theses.
Dr Crowe said the commendation was welcome recognition for the amount of effort and time put into the PhD.
“Completing a PhD is a long and difficult process, so it is always nice to get some recognition at the end of it”, he said.
“In my case, my PhD enabled me to greatly expand my knowledge and expertise in legal theory. It forced me to think carefully about my views and express them in the clearest possible way. As a result, I am able to think and argue more clearly about a whole range of things, not just philosophy.“
Dr Crowe completed his thesis on “Existentialism, Liberty and the Ethical Foundations of Law”. It examined the theoretical relationship between law and ethics, looking at a range of issues including the definition of law, the nature of moral judgements, the foundations of the political community and the role of the judge.
Dr Haller, wrote her thesis on “Discipline of the Queensland Legal Profession”. It examined the legal and social theories on past and current discipline of lawyers in Queensland, the role that professional bodies played in establishing legislative disciplinary structures and the differences between discipline of barristers and solicitors.
A PhD or MPhil graduate who receives unanimously outstanding reports from their examiners is eligible for the Dean’s Commendation. No more than ten percent of graduating Research Higher Degree students at The University of Queensland are recognised in this way each year.