tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91806283454316143282024-02-09T00:24:28.049+10:00The Schelt's JournalLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-53963956361053243762014-01-12T20:31:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:17:33.030+10:00Legal Research.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US">Legal research skills are a vital ability that I
will have to carry long through my legal studies and in to my career as a legal
professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I can conduct
proficient and capable research, it will mean time better spent acting and
advocating for my clients.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The reading for week’s eight and nine was
from the textbook: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Practical Guide to
Legal Research</i>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Chapter 1 of the textbook discusses legal
problem solving and different methods to research the problem I may be
facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In particular, it mentions
a five step method (MIRAC), which is as follows:</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Identify the relevant or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M</i></b>aterial
facts of the case;</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Identify the legal <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i></b>ssues
at hand;</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Identify and interpret the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">R</i></b>ules
that govern the legal issues;</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">A</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US">pply the rules to the facts; and</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">C</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US">onclude.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The information then covers several
different methods of research, in particular, online research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be completely honest, I found the
technical and online research aspects of the reading somewhat
overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot of instructional
information that went over my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I am sure that these research skills and techniques are something
that with plenty of practice throughout my studies I will become well
acquainted with and I can definitely appreciate that it is extremely useful and will
be referred to over the course of my degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, I have found AustLII and LawCite to be of great assistance in the locating of legislation and cases for my assignments this
semester, and I am excited to venture in to many other online research services
with the help of this text book.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I have to admit that I am ashamedly relieved
to be living in this era of online technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot imagine how much time would have previously been
spent sifting through shelves upon shelves of legislation, cases and journals
in the name of the legal research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But even still, there are many things to be aware of and keep in mind
when conducting research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
when locating relevant legislation, it is paramount to make sure that the Act I
am referring to is up-to-date, that it has actually commenced, that it is
relevant to the period of time of the incident I am researching, whether there
have been any amendments made, whether there are any pending amendments, that I
understand the purpose or meaning of the particular Act and whether there has
been any judicial consideration of the legislative provision.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">One point that stood out to me as something
I need to work on is being able to clearly state the legislative framework
that a legal scenario would be included.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is certainly an area I will need
to do more research and learning in.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The research that I have had to undertake
up to this point I have found to be reasonably simple, but I am sure it will
become more complex and complicated, and I look forward to sharpening my skills
as a competent legal researcher.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Sue Milne and Kay
Tucker, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Practical Guide to Legal
Research</i> (Thomson Reuters (Professional) Australia Limited, 2010) 9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid. 53.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid 88.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-51424886628318141242013-12-19T20:26:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:15:09.933+10:00Tuh-mey-toh / Tuh-mah-toh.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Learning about the
conceptualisations of legal reasoning and critical legal theories is absolutely
fascinating to me. As I was
reading about the argument of formalism verse realism a lot of thought
provoking questions came to mind:
Is a judge who bases a judicial decision or outcome on a personal bias,
belief or intuitive or emotional response not inherently and innately
human? Can we really ever have a
completely unbiased and neutral judiciary? If we did, would this arm of power become unforgiving,
indifferent and apathetic to the nature of humanity?</div>
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Personal experience is what
moulds our individual characteristics and the way that we react to and assess
situations. While I do believe
that an objective judgement is what is ultimately fair and just, if strict
formalism was enforced upon legal reasoning, the judiciary’s requirement for
statutory interpretation would be lost.
So there has to be some type of a balance and equilibrium. Justice Michael Kirby puts it well when
he states:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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‘To
pretend that the task is purely mechanical, strictly formal and wholly
predictable may result in a few observers who love fairy stories sleeping
better at night. But it does not
enhance the legal system. It is
not honest. It is fundamentally
incompatible with the creative element of the common law.’<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I like the view that the
judiciary should aspire to take the objectivity from a formalistic process of
legal reasoning and follow the rule of law as much as possible. But I feel that consideration should be
given to the realisation that it is likely that judges will at times make
judicial decisions on policy choices, and the interpretation of the law is in their
hands. I think that judicial
decisions may sometimes even be slightly favoured a certain way under the influence and bias of the sub-conscious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span">Before delving in to legal
studies, I did not realise how ambiguous the law could be and that so many
different theories of what is ‘right’ were out there.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">I really enjoyed the point made about the critical legal
scholars who are of the view that ‘clear, fixed, stable interpretations of
legal rules simply do not exist’, and there is ‘no such thing as a “legally
correct decision”’.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">This legal theory also raised my
awareness in regard to the fundamental contradictions within the legal system.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">One example of a contradiction given in
the textbook is that the law appears to be committed to a utilitarian approach
of judgement, maximizing the overall wellbeing of society, and then also
committed to the recognition and protection of individual rights.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">Just some food for thought, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The information about
postmodernism really caught my eye.
In particular the quote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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‘Postmodernism…
insists that truth is made rather than found, and perceives reality as socially
constructed. This doesn’t mean
that there is nothing “out there”.
The world is out there, but the ideas we form about it, and the things we
say about it, are constructed by people.’<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[3]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Is truth subjective? A person’s perception of truth
certainly is. This perception of
truth is subject to our belief of what truth is, and that belief is usually
greatly influenced by social conditions.
However, I do believe that there are undisputed truths out there. Breaking free of social conditioning
and exercising objective reasoning is possible, and necessary in the law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span">The last thing I will
mention that grabbed my attention was a view put forth by critical race
theorists.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">The textbook states
that ‘[t]he insistence that everybody should be, can be or is treated equally
by the law denies the unique voices of people from different races and
cultures, voices that can and should be heard.’</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftn4" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[4]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I do not think that there is such a
thing as a universal ‘norm’.</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">Different cultures are going to respond differently to a judicial
punishment. </span> <span class="Apple-style-span">Take for instance the
recognition of customary law within Australia.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">Our laws may not work for the Indigenous Australians and may even
have a negative impact on the individual or their community.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">Due
consideration should certainly be given to these situations.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftn5" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[5]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It seems that everyone has
an opinion as to how the law should be interpreted and enforced. I am excited to find out how my
opinions evolve throughout my studies and to learn how I can better equip
myself to recognize the potential of the law to exact justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Nikolas James and
Rachael Field, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New Lawyer</i> (John
Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 379.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 389.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 391.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftnref" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 400.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328&pli=1#_ftnref" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small; mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Ibid 103.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-16950586939434351042013-12-14T18:45:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:19:57.800+10:00Ethics.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Ethical behaviour for legal professionals
is guided by legislation, rules and regulations (i.e. the Australian Solicitors
Conduct Rules), but ethical behaviour cannot be restricted to the abiding of
rules alone.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-US">While laws and ethics are both rules of conduct
and they both regulate human behaviour and guide human choices,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
I feel that ethical absolutes are indefinable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not one ethical dilemma that every single
individual of the human population would face in an identical manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ethical dilemmas are called dilemmas
for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is evident from
the readings, and from work experience within law firms, that as a lawyer I
will face questions of ethics regularly and I know it is something that will
take practice to handle gracefully and efficiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best that I can do as a legal professional, is to
critically evaluate the situation, determine the relevant legal rules,
determine the relevant ethical principles and consider the consequences of my
decision.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">My personal ethics are usually dependent on
consequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I generally will
analyse the consequences of a certain choice that will be experienced by others, and also by me. This is a quality that I will
most likely carry through to my legal career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am sure that this trait will mature and develop
as I grow professionally and personally.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Legal rules and ethical rules usually
coincide, but there are times when they will be in conflict. A conflict between
professional and personal ethics is something that raises reservations with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do want to maintain a distance
between my personal values and professional behaviour, but I do not want to
abandon or set aside my personal values completely.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The textbook suggests three other
approaches to these type of conflicts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>responsible lawyering, a moral activist approach and the ethic of care.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn4" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is likely that throughout my career
I will have the opportunity to practice all of these approaches and determine
which works best for me and the specific situation at hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To handle and overcome these
predicaments I will need to be confident with my choices once they are made, as
it is probable that there would be many opposing arguments.</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Overall, as a lawyer I would like to build a
reputation as a professional with integrity and ethics and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure that further knowledge and experience
will help me to build the characteristics I desire.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /></div>
<hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" />
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<br />
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Nikolas James and
Rachael Field, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New Lawyer</i> (John
Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 443.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid 444.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid 465.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid 465 - 466.</span></div>
</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-28842141686941429682013-11-30T20:16:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:15:28.825+10:00Message Received.<div style="text-align: justify;">
The textbook comments that five common objects for
legal communication are to <b>understand</b>,
to <b>explain and advise</b>, to <b>negotiate</b>, to <b>advocate</b> and to <b>persuade</b>.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" title="">[1]</a></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me to be able to <b>understand</b> a client, I need to make them feel comfortable and act
in a manner so as to promote a trustworthy attitude and personality. Once they feel at ease to provide me
with the information needed, I will be able to ascertain their perception of the
issue at hand.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span> Another great way to assist in understanding
the message that a client or colleague is trying to impart, is to exercise active
listening. I feel that this is a
very effective tool to show people that you are hearing them.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ask questions.
Double-check and confirm instructions. Clarify your understanding of what has just been
communicated. Use attentive body
language. Respond and comment to
what is being said.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[3]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I</span> must also be mindful of adjusting my communication
techniques where the way I am communicating is not suitable for the particular
person I may be communicating with (i.e. if English is not their first
language, if they have literacy problems, they may be of a different culture or
may not understand formal legal language).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn4" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[4]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a> It may be that I am required to
communicate complex legal issues in plain and simple English and I must have
the flexibility and skills to do so.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn5" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[5]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Effectively understanding what is being conveyed to me
will help me to <b>explain</b> the legal
issues to my client and <b>advise</b> them in
a clear and concise manner. While
a thorough knowledge and diligent research of the law is required to advise a
client accurately about their legal rights and obligations, there are many
other aspects to explaining and advising.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn6" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[6]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Communication skills are vital. The textbook mentions that it is
important to be clear with clients about realistic expectations in regards to
the outcome of their matter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn7" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[7]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> I would not want to lead a client on
with the belief that they are absolutely acting reasonably by suing an entity
for millions of dollars, and that they can expect to receive every penny that
they assume they are owed, when it is obvious to me that it is a pipedream. Lawyers need to be aware of the
client’s desired outcome, or goal of their legal action, but being a competent
advisor means letting a client know when these goals are unreasonable or
unrealistic.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This leads me to another important part of explaining
and advising clients. Show
empathy. If a person requires
legal advice and assistance, majority of the time, this person is not
experiencing the highlight of their life.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn8" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[8]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a> There is a fine line between showing
empathy and becoming emotionally involved, and as a legal professional it is
important not to become emotionally involved. But showing genuine empathy will ensure the client feels
that they have been heard and respected and will create a professional
relationship based on trust and rapport.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn9" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[9]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To <b>negotiate</b>
effectively, knowledge of the client’s desired outcome is required. Determine what the client would ideally
like to achieve, and once it has been established whether it is realistic, work
toward that goal.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn10" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[10]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span> There are different types of
negotiation and it would prudent to establish which approach is likely going to
achieve the desired outcome.
Particularly in alternate dispute resolution, an interest-based approach
would be used to provide the most mutually satisfactory outcome for the
parties involved.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn11" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[11]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Legal<b> advocacy</b>
is normally performed in a courtroom.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn12" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[12]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span> Personally, I am not interested in
becoming a barrister, but advocacy is definitely a valuable quality to learn
and practice, and something that will be useful in other areas of the legal
profession. The main point I got
from the textbook regarding being a good advocate is to be well prepared.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn13" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[13]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Research the case and related topics so
that you have a thorough understanding of the facts.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn14" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">14]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Plan the structure of your argument.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn15" name="_ftnref" style="font-size: x-small;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[15]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Practice your argument.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn16" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[16]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Know the substantive law and the procedural
rules of the applicable jurisdiction.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn17" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">17]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The textbook highlights the point that both
negotiation and advocacy share a common integral aim – to <b>persuade</b>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn18" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[18]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span>This is definitely a skill I would love
to sharpen. I am eager to learn
and quickly recognise logical fallacies so that I am able to avoid using them
in my arguments. The ability to
recognise these fallacies will also enable me to identify flaws in arguments
against my position. This skill
will also then help to make my argument more convincing to others, and will
build trust and a credible reputation with clients and colleagues, as they will
be able to see that my arguments are based on facts and sound reasoning.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn19" name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[19]<!--[endif]--></span></a> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>And what can be more persuading than
fact?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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I am determined to communicate well in both verbal and
written form, to convey my message clearly and concisely, and to ultimately be
an effective, appropriate and persuasive legal communicator.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /></div>
<hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" />
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<br />
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Nikolas James and
Rachael Field, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New Lawyer</i> (John
Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 309.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 326.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 315.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 310.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[7]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 311.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 328.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[9]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[10]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 311.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[11]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[12]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 312.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[13]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 313.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[14]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[15]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[16]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[17]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[18]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Ibid 314.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[19]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> Ibid.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-6169941707522102482013-11-23T22:37:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:13:34.940+10:00Thou Shalt Not Commit Logical Fallacies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="424" src="https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/assets/FallaciesPosterHigherRes.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Visit <a href="https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/">https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/</a> to see a full size copy of this poster.</div>
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-51915406768810949782013-11-23T22:36:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:31:17.774+10:00Intellectual Troublemaking.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Quite recently, my personal life has thrown events my way that have required me to engage in some serious personal growth. In particular, I have learnt the invaluable yet daunting quality of critical thinking. Thinking in general is something I am a big fan of. I am generally not quick to comment, but prefer to assess my thoughts quietly until I know what I want to say for sure. I am constantly trying to improve and expand these thinking skills. Not only to grow in my knowledge of the world around me, but to be able to better evaluate the information that I receive, to be able to broaden the way that I think, to think creatively, and to constantly evolve and grow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The word 'critical' should not at all be viewed in a negative context in the term ‘critical thinking’. Critically thinking about a particular topic does not necessarily mean that I disagree with the opinion that has been presented to me. It is a 'careful and thoughtful questioning' and may be an 'informed criticism'.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn1">[1]</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A critical thinker should be inquisitive, alert, self-confident, open-minded, flexible, fair-minded, self-honest, prudent, diligent and persistent.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn2">[2]</a> These qualities do not come easy, but with a genuine willingness, hard work and regular self-evaluation, they are certainly attainable. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My favourite of these qualities is self-honesty. To successfully think critically, I must be ‘honest in facing personal biases’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn3">[3]</a> This strikes me as being one of the fundamental and most fascinating qualities of critical thinking. It is something that only I can assess, and the fidelity to this honesty is something that will only ever be self-recognised. This impels me to believe in critical thinking as an implicit facet of my personality, and especially of my professional identity as a law student and ultimately, a lawyer. It is a quality that will benefit my peers and eventually my clients, but for the most part, it provides me with self-confidence and personal satisfaction. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Further to these qualities, to purposefully think differently to my peers and to challenge orthodoxy and ‘go against the grain’ is extremely difficult, and takes an immense amount of courage. However, if others are able to empathise with the emotional and social vulnerability that is shown through critical thinking and un-orthodox reasoning, it could perhaps provoke interest and be persuasive to my argument. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that people generally do not openly invite or enjoy their beliefs and understandings to be challenged, so it is vital to always exercise critical thinking skills respectfully and with a great deal of care. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It also takes courage to consider error in my own thoughts and arguments, and to accept the fact that my knowledge and beliefs may be just as limited as any one else’s.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn4">[4]</a> To be a lawyer who is a critical thinker, not only will I need to gain my own initial perspective of a certain claim, argument, rule, doctrine, decision or action, but I will need to maintain the openness of mind to readjust my thinking should further evidence become available.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn5">[5]</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have really enjoyed learning about the thinking skills essential to becoming a legal professional. I expect that the Bachelor of Laws course will provide me with ample opportunities to develop my critical thinking skills in a practical way. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref">[1]</a> Nikolas James and Rachael Field, The New Lawyer (John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 285. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref">[2]</a> Ibid 296. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref">[3]</a> Ibid 296. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref">[4]</a> Ibid 296. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref">[5]</a> Ibid 298.</span></div>
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-23744954796897218422013-11-16T19:06:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:18:50.117+10:00Out of the Darkness.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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History has seen many horrific
injustices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyrannical rulers,
brutality, slavery… the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, I was surprised to learn about certain historic methods of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">dispute resolution</b>.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">For example, in the Middle Ages, one method
of dispute resolution was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trial by
ordeal</b>.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This method was practiced several
different ways, but usually, the accused was forced to participate in some kind
of physically injurious act such as carrying a red-hot iron (‘ordeal of iron’)
or dipping their arm into boiling water (‘ordeal by hot water’).<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the person’s wounds healed within a
certain period of time then the accused was deemed innocent, but if they did
not heal with in the set period of time the person was guilty.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Another method used during this time was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trial by combat</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This saw the parties to the dispute go
head to head in a gladiatorial style battle until either one of the competitors
surrendered or was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
winner was then declared innocent.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn4" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This got me to thinking about our system of
dispute resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a common
law legal system our courts use the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">adversarial
system</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adversarial system requires that the parties involved perform their case using a
competitive approach, with the judge being involved as an impartial referee.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn5" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although there are strict procedural
rules put in place for this system to be run smoothly, there is one thing I
feel it lacks – the pursuit of truth.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Comparatively, the inquisitorial system
used in courts of civil law legal systems, is an inquiry into the truth.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn6" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All parties, including the judge, are
involved in the investigation of the facts to arrive at the truth.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn7" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[7]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Is our current adversarial system the ideal
and most just system that could be in place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know nothing is perfect, but it seems that it has a lot of
room to improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me to
be a system that insists parties make self-interested arguments, and while
legal professionals are bound to abide by certain rules of conduct, there is the
possibility that important facts of a case can often be omitted.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftn8" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Fortunately, everything is constantly in a
state of evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Unlikely as it presently seems, i</span>t may be that
our current system for dispute resolution will at some point seem as barbaric
and primitive as trial by ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, for now, these are just my opinions.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Nikolas James and
Rachael Field, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New Lawyer</i> (John
Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 171.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[7]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9180628345431614328#_ftnref" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ray Finkelstein, ‘The
Adversarial System and the Search for Truth’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monash Law Review (2011) 37 (1) </i><http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/MonashULawRw/2011/8.pdf>.</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-10609426440177909672013-11-09T07:55:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:15:50.798+10:00Week Two.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US">I have never taken a keen interest in
Australian history, but I enjoyed week two's reading more than I thought
I would have.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I honestly do not think I have ever
seriously contemplated exactly what the British took away from the Indigenous Australians when they “settled” here.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The concept of terra nullius robbed the
Aboriginal people of acknowledgement that their customary law was not only present
at the time the British arrived, but that it was viewed by them as extremely
valuable, and was something passed down from their ancestors and considered to
be of the upmost sacredness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
saying this though, I am also quite glad for the Doctrine of Reception, as I do
not particularly want to live under the Customary law of the Aboriginals.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria;">It is amazing to see the evolution of Australian law and the constant efforts
to refine the maintenance of justice within the Australian legal system. It makes me feel comfortable and
hopeful that I am living in a society and country that is not only already some
what advanced in freedoms, rights and equality, but is constantly working
toward a better and more just future for it's citizens.</span><!--EndFragment-->
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Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-16937770407303118542013-11-02T18:28:00.000+10:002014-01-16T19:10:40.637+10:00Organic Morality.<div style="text-align: justify;">
The natural law theory: the ‘intimate and necessary relationship between the law and a set of objective standards external to the law itself.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[1]</span> It can be quite difficult to identify these extrinsic standards, considering that in order for them to be natural traits within any given person, they should be objective, universal and unchanging.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[2]</span> Proposals of these extrinsic standards have been put forward throughout history, and include things such as the laws of God, the laws of nature, the principles of justice, moral values, fundamental human rights, and ‘basic goods’.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[3]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While different philosophers have different theories of where these extrinsic standards originate, there is one area in particular that stoked interest for me. The Italian philosopher and theologian St Thomas Aquinas suggests that: ‘a well-made positive law is ultimately derived from the law of God and commands obedience accordingly.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[4]</span></div>
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I think that you may be able to see where I am heading. I was surprised that some theories of natural law (or the ‘set of objective standards external to the law’) are unavoidably connected to religion, and the concept that some people often perceive religion as the moral compass of humanity. This concept then raised the question for me: does morality depend on religion? I understand that there are bounteous arguments for this question, and I do not think that it will ever have an answer that is universally agreed upon. But, I would like to share a few points with you.</div>
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I watched this video (<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50151800n">http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50151800n</a>) recently, and if anyone has a spare 13 minutes or so, I implore you to take a look. It discusses tests that are being conducted at Yale University in the ‘baby lab’ in regards to the morality of babies, and raises the question: are we born with an innate sense of justice? When answering this question, it is important to bear in mind that a baby’s personal sense of justice has not yet been influenced by anything external to it's own genetics. If a baby is found to have a sense of justice, it could well be argued to be the most natural and basic form of human justice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Follow on questions to this topic for me include: Where does this justice originate? Is it part of an intelligent design? Or is it a product of our evolution as a socially reliant species? But, I guess these are questions for another time - and a whole other argument.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The New Lawyer stated, ‘[a]ccording to most natural law theorists, the natural law is discoverable by human reason’.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[5]</span> This suggests that humans apply consequential ethics by analysing the consequences of their actions and using sound and logical reasoning, before making decisions. According to English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, ‘natural law is how a rational human being seeking to survive and prosper would act’.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[6]</span> Like the babies in the Yale baby lab, it can be suggested that we have an instinctive nature to preference the non-threatening over the threatening, and to serve both justice and punishment where it is earned, essentially to survive. Saying this though, I agree with the idea that ‘[e]verything about human experience suggests that love is more conducive to happiness than hate is.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[7]</span></div>
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We are so fortunate to live in a country where religious freedom is a constitutional right. Further, we are part of a nation that is also balanced with the uprising of a secular society that makes room for new evidence and theories. While there are persuasive arguments for the positive aspects that religion has had on the development of humanity's morality, I believe that it does not depend upon religious teachings.</div>
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I really hope that I get to look at jurisprudence in a whole lot more depth through out the course of my studies.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[1] Nikolas James and Rachael Field, <i>The New Lawyer </i>(John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2013) 54.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[2] Ibid 58.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[3] Ibid 55.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[4] Ibid 57.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[5] Ibid 55.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[6] Ibid 57.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[7] Sam Harris, <i>Letter to a Christian Nation </i>(Bantam Press, 2007) 24.</span></div>
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9180628345431614328.post-32755140563901900422013-10-22T21:20:00.000+10:002014-01-16T18:56:21.677+10:00One.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Schelt's journal,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have recently been accepted to CQUniversity and am undertaking a Bachelor of Laws degree. What am I hoping to get out of is experience? So glad you asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am so looking forward to being educated at a higher level and to learning, considering and realising many things that I have never even contemplated. I think that this contemplation will offer me an opportunity to engage in massive personal growth and development, get out of my comfort zone and increase my self esteem and self confidence. This confidence and knowledge, in turn, will equip me with a greater ability to think critically and reason well with others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why law? I feel that the law plays a majorly significant role in shaping our society. I think that a thorough knowledge of the law, and the way it is constructed in our country, provides a basis for understanding the past, and equips us in being able to better prepare for our future and the future of generations to come.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It will provide me with the opportunity for career advancement in a field that interests me greatly, will give me professional satisfaction and will allow me to contribute to society in a positive way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am not sure which particular area of law interests me most yet, but I am eager to find out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am expecting for there to be tough times and moments where I am ready to give up. But, I am determined, resilient, focused, excited and have a reliable support network.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is an experience I am expecting to be life changing and invaluable.</div>
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I will keep you posted.</div>
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007928974555004096noreply@blogger.com