24th Annual Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture
Justice Virginia Bell
Join the local legal community at The Newcastle Law School’s 24th Annual Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture. The Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture was established in 1993 to mark the arrival of the first group of Bachelor of Laws students at the University of Newcastle. It is delivered by an eminent lawyer each academic year.
This year we welcome Justice Virginia Bell of the High Court of Australia.
Virginia Bell was appointed to the Court in February 2009. She has forged an impressive career, beginning as a solicitor with the Redfern Legal Centre after completing her law degree. Admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1984, Justice Bell was appointed a Senior Counsel in 1997. Justice Bell practised as a public defender, was a counsel assisting the Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service and was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in March 1999.
Justic Bell's lecture is titled “Equality, Proportionality and Dignity: The Guiding Principles for a Just Legal System”. Justice Bell will discuss these principles, which are recognised in both jurisprudence and human rights instruments.
The three principles are fundamental to a legal system in a contemporary civilised society, which prides itself on justice, the rule of law and the paramount importance of human liberty.
A wide range of examples will be drawn on with appeal to a broad audience of community members, law students as well as experienced legal practitioners and judicial officers.
Please join us to gain an insight into the pillars of a just legal system.
Light refreshments will be provided after the lecture between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.