Law Report

Two unfair dismissal cases highlight a changing workplace.  A Philippines based legal assistant has just won the right to bring an unfair dismissal case against her former employer. And the case of the stevedore with a medicinal cannabis prescription.

In his first media interview, Administrative Review Tribunal President Justice Emilios Kyrou outlines some of his new powers. They include the ability to order the publication of low level, routine decisions, which may reveal systemic bureaucratic failures such as the Robodebt disaster.

Armin Alimadani, a lecturer who tested AI against law students, and Catherine Terry, a lawyer leading the inquiry into AI's courtroom role, discuss pivotal issues surrounding AI and the law. They explore the unsettling implications of AI misinformation in legal settings. Their conversation delves into the surprising performance of AI in law exams and its ramifications for legal education. They also uncover challenges like algorithmic bias in sentencing and the need for transparency in AI's judicial applications. The future of legal accountability is at stake!

How do tenancy tribunals balance the competing needs of tenants and landlords? And why is Victoria - from a tenants' perspective - ahead of the pack? 

To what extent should employers be able to restrict employees from expressing their views and opinions in public?

Mexico is making headlines by allowing voters to elect all 7,000 judges, a bold first for any country. The podcast dives into the potential impact on the justice system, comparing it to the U.S. model. It discusses the electoral surge of a left-wing party aimed at reforming corruption and equity. Key challenges include the risk of organized crime influencing elections and the threats to judicial independence. Concerns about politicization and systemic failures add layers to this ambitious reform, prompting essential questions about the future of justice in Mexico.

The podcast delves into the critical functions of juries in the justice system and the pressures they face from employers. It highlights a notable case of juror intimidation, stressing the need for protective measures. Misconduct among jurors threatens trial integrity, with discussions of unauthorized research and confidentiality breaches. Additionally, it explores the evolving role of sheriff's officers in court security, including dramatic incidents that underscore the importance of training and body cameras in law enforcement.

A groundbreaking 12-month visa is introduced for exploited migrant workers in Australia, allowing them to seek justice without fear of deportation. Personal stories highlight the challenges workers face, including wage theft and workplace exploitation. The complexities of navigating rights and legal processes are discussed, revealing systemic issues and a pressing need for reforms. Experiences from the adult industry illustrate the precarious balance of work conditions, while the fight for fair wages pushes for enhanced support and legal solutions to protect these vulnerable individuals.

Nearly one year into the Israel-Gaza war, how can the International Criminal Court move forward with its investigation into the conflict? 

Allegations of atrocity crimes cannot be prosecuted in Australian courts without consent from the Government's top legal officer, who also has the power to block prosecutions.