The Brief Online
The Brief Online is a digital forum for students to share their own thoughts, research and questions on topical legal issues through written work. For those keen to contribute, do not hesitate to contact our Publications team at thebrief@muls.org. Please note that the views expressed in these contributions are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of MULS.
Search for articles here
Postcard: An American Experiment
During the mid-semester break, I took a summer ‘vacation’ to the land of the free and home of the brave — the United States of America. What could not escape observation was the vastly different image of the legal industry in the country.
Strong Presumptions and NSW Bail Reforms
Indeed, the Bill was passed only seven days after being first discussed, meaning that there was little room for public consultation.
Vaping Bans and Smoke Signals
These changes are obviously still in their infancy, and as such it remains to be seen whether in the long-term there will be any success in protecting the health of young children in Australia.
In-House vs The Wider Legal Field
As much as I love my work, I cannot help but wonder if this is best for my development as a law student. Have I made a mistake that others should avoid?
Human Rights: Nonsense Upon Stilts?
Although we love and need rights, they are, metaphysically speaking, nonsense upon stilts.
How Port Arthur Changed Australia
Cherish compassion for the sake of those who gave aid. Cherish peace for the sake of those in pain.
We Are Still Closing the Gap
Only when meaningful action toward minimising the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is undertaken will the gap actually be closed.
Through a Glass, Darkly: Out of Context
Through a glass we shall regard / darkly, that the law is hard.
Are There Too Many Laws?
Over the last few years, there has been a lack of clarity between necessary and unnecessary regulatory burdens that has blurred the roles of the state and its relationships with business and the community.
How To Save a Lawyer’s Soul
The foundations of our traditional principles of procedural fairness have a certain metaphysical quality.
The Shadows of the Stateless
The NZYQ case marks a critical moment in Australia's immigration history, prompting a re-evaluation of detention practices to balance humanitarian and national interests.
Unbottling Royalties with PepsiCo
The complexity of Australian tax law offers ripe opportunities for multinationals and their suite of lawyers and accountants to create sophisticated international schemes that skirt around black-letter law.
Politicians and their Private Parts: A Debate
Everyone deserves the right to privacy, right?
The Australian Youth Incarceration Crisis
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have remained the most incarcerated people on earth. They comprise more than half of the young people under the supervision of juvenile justice Australia-wide.
Whistleblowers and their Discontents
It is clear from the above cases that whistleblowers are not protected and the lack of protections to deal with this sends a clear message — be quiet.
The Unfamiliar Family Law
The direction of the FLAA improves the clarity and accessibility of the family law system, making it easier for parties to navigate, writes Amy Scott.
Human Rights for Everyone
Australia is the only liberal democracy in the world that has not implemented a human rights charter or constitutional charter of rights on a federal level.
AI and the Law: The Robotic Perspective
The real question is, however, why does Claude AI remain tight-lipped — is there something that it is not telling us?
NZYQ, Al-Kateb, and the Political Fallout
How did NZYQ come to be? And how will Australia take this case from the newly-ordained Gageler Court?
Unconstitutional Anti-Protest Laws in NSW
A new precedent has been established in NSW declaring that protests on environmental issues constitute political expression.