Centre for Law and Social Justice
Vision
A socially just world that protects and promotes the rights and dignity of all people and uplifts vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Mission
The Centre for Law and Social Justice pursues research to create a socially just world. The Centre prioritises community engagement, access to justice, educating students for ethical practice, and influencing law reform.
Centre members collaborate across disciplines and sectors, promoting social justice at regional, national and global levels.
Objectives
Advancing knowledge with high-quality research that prioritises practical applications, including in law reform, policy development, and access to justice. Centre research spans multiple fields including human rights, equality, restorative justice, environmental and climate law, and justice systems.
Engaging with communities, governments, legal agencies, and industry across the Hunter region, Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and globally to improve justice systems and their community impacts. The Centre is particularly focused on community engagement, including with young people, and partnerships with public sector bodies.
Partnering with students and higher degree candidates in law, criminology and other disciplines to deliver experiential learning experiences. Students engaged with the Centre gain exposure to applied learning with Centre partners and achieve real-world impacts with their work.
2025 Youth Forum at NSW Parliament House, coordinated by the Centre for Law and Social Justice and the Human Rights for NSW Alliance.
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.