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Watching brief: Reflections on Human Rights, Law, and Justice
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Watching brief: Reflections on Human Rights, Law, and Justice
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
In Watching Brief, noted lawyer and human rights advocate Julian Burnside articulates a sensitive and intelligent defence of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, and the importance of protecting human rights and maintaining the rule of law. He looks at such cases as those involving David Hicks, Jack Thomas and Van Nguyen.
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Description
The first decade of the 21st century has seen a sharp decline in respect for human rights and the international rule of law. The legal conventions of the new realpolitik seem to owe more to Guantanamo than Geneva. Australia has tarnished its reputation in the field of human rights through its support for illegal warfare, its failure to honour international conventions, its refusal to defend its citizens against secret rendition and illegal detention, and its introduction of secretive anti-sedition legislation and draconian anti-terror laws.
In Watching Brief, noted lawyer and human rights advocate Julian Burnside articulates a sensitive and intelligent defence of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, emphasising the importance of protecting human rights and maintaining the rule of law. He takes us on a fascinating tour of some of the world's most famous trials, where the outcome has often turned on prejudice, complacency, chance, or (more promisingly) the tenacity of supporters and the skill of advocates.
Burnside also looks at the impact of significant recent cases, including those involving David Hicks, Jack Thomas, and Van Nguyen, on contemporary Australian society.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Watching Brief is praised for its extensive and compelling coverage of human rights issues, offering an engaging narrative that combines autobiography with political and legal history. It is described as a rational and provocative call to action, urging Australians to reassess their stance on asylum-seeker detention and human rights policies. The book is noted for its insightful analysis of past and present human rights challenges and is recommended for those interested in ethics and human decency.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781921372360
Publisher: Scribe Publications
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 October 2008
Country: Australia
Imprint: Scribe Publications
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 278g
Pages: 320
About the Author
Julian Burnside, QC, is an Australian barrister who specialises in commercial litigation and is also deeply involved in human rights work, in particular in relation to refugees. He is a past president of Liberty Victoria, and is also passionately involved in the arts- he is the chair of Melbourne arts venue fortyfivedownstairs, and is chair of the Mietta Foundation. He has published a children's book, Matilda and the Dragon, and is also the author of From Nothing to Zero, a compilation of letters written by asylum-seekers held in Australia's detention camps, Wordwatching, a collection of essays on the uses and abuses of the English language, and Watching Brief- reflections on human rights, law, and justice.
Also by Julian Burnside
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Watching Out: Reflections on Justice and Injustice
When put to the test, most people have difficulty identifying what justice is, especially when there is tension between proper process and a desired result. Due process is inherent in our conception of justice. However, bad process can yield the right result, just as good process can produce the wrong result. The legal system is designed to produce justice. We...Paperback$3500Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
On Privilege
Renowned barrister, ethicist and human rights advocate Julian Burnside QC's grandparents lived in a world of handsome cars, elegant tennis parties and coiffed women. As a five-year-old, he saw privilege before he heard the word or learned its meaning. In this powerful broadside that takes in politicians and infamous legal cases, Julian Burnside explores the concept of privilege and the...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Wordwatching: Field Notes From an Amateur Philologist
We live in a torrent of words—from radio and television, books and newspapers, and now from the internet. But, as Julian Burnside reminds us here, words are a source both of pleasure and power, and can be deployed for good or for ill. Some of these essays explore curiosities in odd corners of the language simply to remind us of...PaperbackSold Out
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