Creating a legal system to protect our most vulnerable

Recent events bringing to light the treatment of women – including the lack of protection for victims of sexual assault – make it clear our legal system is deficient, according to a leading expert.

Honorary Associate Professor at The Australian National University (ANU), Liz Curran, says the law can be “unresponsive”, adding to the trauma of seeking help.

In a new book Better Law for a Better World she has outlined how things could be done differently.

“It’s about ensuring the people who are most vulnerable or have little voice can avail themselves of the protection of the law,” she said.

“Ideally everyone would have confidence in the law and its ability to respond.”

The book suggests new approaches to practising law – including putting the community at the centre of its operation.

“The idea is to open up a dialogue about how we can make the law better,” Associate Professor Curran said.

“This could involve training emerging lawyers differently to ensure they have strong communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

“We need to better equip lawyers to respond to community need.”

Liz Curran is an Honorary Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law, Research Impact Lead at Nottingham Trent University and a practicing solicitor.

Her book Better Law for a Better World: New Approaches to Law Practice and Education is published by Routledge.

It is being launched at an online event hosted by ANU on Tuesday 4 May. You can register to attend at the following link: https://law.anu.edu.au/event/book-launch/book-launch-better-law-better-world