Big data, free speech and privacy for discussion at legal conference

The law’s increasing reach into the private lives of individuals will be a focus of attention at The University of Queensland next month.

The topic will be debated at the 2014 conference of The Law and Society Association of Australia and New Zealand, hosted by UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law from December 3-5.

Professor Heather Douglas said the three-day forum, titled Public and/or Private Lives, would discuss a range of contemporary issues relevant for legal practitioners and academics.

“Some sessions will be focused on the devolution to the private sector of many of the State’s public responsibilities – including some prison, health and education services,” Professor Douglas said.

“Researchers from around the world will attend, as well as academics and legal practitioners from around Australia and New Zealand, to consider pivotal questions with implications for legal systems everywhere.

“Papers will address issues including climate change, management of big data, free speech and the role of the law and lawyers in responding to these important issues.”

Professor Douglas said the conference program included a series of expert panels, speeches and workshops.

The conference will begin with the launch of Australian Feminist Judgments: Righting and Re-writing Law, edited by Professor Douglas, UQ’s Dr Francesca Bartlett, Dr Trish Luker from University of Technology Sydney, and University of London’s Professor Rosemary Hunter.

Contact: Professor Heather Douglas +61 7 3365 6605, h.douglas@law.uq.edu.au, or Nadine Davidson-Wall, +61 7 3346 9263, n.davidson-wall@law.uq.edu.au