November 4, 2024

What’s international law got to do with it?

Do the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere mean we are returning to a ‘Lawless’ world, asks Professor Donald Rothwell

The annual Goldring Lecture, now in its 14th year, is held by the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) School of Law in honor of the late Jack Goldring, University of Wollongong’s founding Dean of Law.

Jack Goldring was a man motivated by social justice. He was an educator and leader, distinguished law reformer, and a highly regarded judge of the District Court of NSW. He placed social justice at the heart of students’ learning, believing it was the School of Laws responsibility to contribute to the pursuit of social justice via programs and policies that supported equal opportunity into law.

The Goldring Lecture serves as a lasting tribute to the pivotal contribution made by Professor Goldring in establishing the Law School. It also serves as a testament to his enduring impact and forward-thinking vision.

Since the annual lecture began, there has been a range of distinguished guest speakers, ranging from state Governors to past Justices of the High Courts to university professors.

This year's Goldring Lecture featured Professor Donald Rothwell FAAL (Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law). Professor of International Law at Australian National University.

Professor Donald Rothman is one of Australia's leading experts in international law with specific focus on the law of the sea, law of the polar regions, use of force, and implementation of international law within Australia. He is the author of 28 books and over 200 book chapters and articles.

Professor Rothman said being invited to be this year's Jack Goldring guest speaker was an honor and privilege.

“Jack Goldring was a giant of post-war Australian legal education and his leadership and writings on legal education shaped the modern Australian law school, including the University of Wollongong.”

Addressing Philippe Sands’ influential book Lawless World, first published in 2005, Professor Rothwell's’ lecture responded to the question, “what’s international law got to do with it?” In his talk, Professor Rothwell broke down the debates around international conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza, and looked at the persistent references to the principles of international law by Australian politicians,

Professor Rothman said international law is part of the daily discourse in Australia, whether it be in the context of overseas events or how Australia is conducting itself in response to local and international events.

“Much of the debate about international law gives attention to what is portrayed as its weakness, either due to lack of compliance, enforcement or even respect. But is that really the case? My 2024 Goldring lecture challenges some of those critiques and responds to ‘What’s international law got to do with it?’” Professor Rothman said.

JACK GOLDRING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The annual Goldring Lecture also sees the School of Law present the esteemed Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship. Valued at $10,000, the scholarship is awarded to a final year law student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to social justice.

Grace Bowles was named as the 2024 Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Grace is an inspiring student who relocated from Melbourne to Wollongong specifically to pursue her law degree. She chose the University of Wollongong’s School of Law for its strong emphasis on social justice and its student-centred approach, which perfectly aligned with her aspirations for a university education that would empower her to achieve.

Grace is dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented groups gain access to justice, and she brings exceptional legal skills to her endeavours. With a strong determination to achieve meaningful change, Grace embodies the values of the Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship.

The panel felt that Grace would continue to make a significant impact in the field of social justice and inspire others along the way.

Photo caption: UOW Dean of Law Professor Dilan Thampapillai, 2024 Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship winner Grace Bowles and 2024 Goldring Lecturer Professor Donald Rothwell.