Centre for Law and Social Justice

The Centre for Law and Social Justice is based in the Newcastle School of Law and Justice and is a site for research, engagement, learning and advocacy. Here, expert researchers and clinical staff partner with students, communities and key organisations. We operate as a dynamic hub to drive Social Justice reform and contribute to law reform and policy making.

We believe that one of the greatest barriers to creating a sustainable future and supporting healthy communities is the lack of effective and accessible legal and disciplinary advice and support. We want to change that. At the heart of the Centre, lies our well-established and extensive clinical program which has long supported public interest and everyday justice. Importantly, we have a focus on people-centered justice and how the justice system can operate to meet the needs of the community. The broader focus on social justice considers how relations between people can effectively support opportunity and access for all within society. The six core values of the Centre for Law and Social Justice are:

• Promoting Inclusion
• Addressing Injustice
• Supporting a Strong Community
• Building a Better Justice System
• Applying Legal Solutions
• Tackling 'Wicked' Problems

Vision

The vision of the Centre for Law and Social Justice is to position the University as a leader in social justice transformation through research, teaching and practice.

Mission

The Centre for Law and Social Justice aims to foster a deep commitment to social and ethical practices, to develop solutions to pressing and complex social justice problems, and to encourage and support multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Objectives

• Research: Advancing the knowledge base with high-quality doctrinal, socio-legal and empirical research that gives priority to practical outcomes, making a difference for the least advantaged. Including influencing government policy and legislation.
• Work-integrated learning: Partnering with undergraduate and postgraduate students, including PhD students, within and beyond the legal discipline, to work on real-world projects with real-world benefits. Including providing accessible legal advice and education.
• Engagement for impact: Engaging with government, courts, professions, industry and communities across the Hunter Region, the Asia-Pacific region and globally to improve justice systems and the communities in which they operate. With the goal of educating the public on important and current law and social justice issues.