Rule of (F)law
*Keep reading to find out how you can rent suits for super cheap!*
What is the rule of law?
The Rule of Law is the foundation to law as we know it. It ensures equality, justice and fairness by subjecting everyone to clear and impartial laws. This creates a stable and just society that fosters a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
“Justice knows no bias. It wears the blindfold of equality, serving the rich and the poor with unwavering impartiality. The rule of law stands tall, demanding respect from all.” - Don Santo
However, there are always challenges faced in upholding ALL of these essential elements. You might think Australia meets all the criteria but you might want to think again…
RULE OF LAW
Without the rule of law, there are many problems that affect individuals, communities and countries as a whole. Historically without the presence of a rule of law it leads to chaos and undermines societal order. Anarchy ensues, where there's no framework to protect rights or resolve disputes.
In the absence of law, tyranny may emerge where corrupt and powerful groups exploit the void, ultimately suppressing individual freedoms.
The rule of law safeguards democracy and ensures fair governance , so when something like the access to justice in Australia is limited, we can see start to see unjust outcomes in our legal system
“More than 13 per cent of Australians live under the poverty line, while legal aid is available to just eight per cent. Many impoverished people are considered too wealthy to get basic legal help” -Law Council of Australia
Being able to access basic legal help is imperative to upholding the essential elements and the foundation the rule of law is built off of; being equal before the law. Many Australians unfortunately are restricted in such an important staple of our society and this must be addressed.
how are these issues being solved?
Many companies, groups and societies are constantly creating initiatives to solve issues presented such as, in this case, financially disadvantaged students. An initiative from GULS members Madysson and Mackenzie presents a solution to support these students and provide equal opportunities to all.
“It is no shocking statement to declare that the world is catered to the financially privileged - so it cannot be a surprise that law and law school are no different. In addition to the expected costs of certifications, textbooks, technology, and travel, there are many unexpected hurdles - including access to clothes. A non-exhaustive list of the limitations enforced by a financially burdened wardrobe includes performance in assessments that simulate court or require court attendance; professional networking opportunities with an expected level of presentation which is unobtainable for a financially disadvantaged student; black-tie social networking opportunities; competitions; interviews; and many more.”
GULS is collating a wardrobe of clothes appropriate for social, professional, and formal events that is accessible for hire by any law students of Queensland. Sourcing through thrifting, donations, and buying directly from students and alumni, LawSuits provides an affordable and environmentally sustainable option for students facing financial pressure from their legal education - an option that doesn’t discriminate between size or quality. Provide the team with enough notice, and we will even personally endeavour to seek out appropriate options for students if we find the existing LawSuits wardrobe is insufficient.
Bad advice from jeremy
Here are my rules of law:
Whatever you do, don’t break them.
A little birdy told me that bad things happen if you break them and I don’t want to find out what they are. (I should know, the likely sentences were in textbooks I’ve read and courses I’ve been in… its the holidays leave me alone)
If you do break them, don’t represent yourself in court.
You might think “I’m so smart I don’t need a lawyer”. Yes you do, you will only make things worse and the success rate of self representation is 10%….
If you are convicted accept it.
We have all seen the recent video of the not so smart man who’s genius idea was to leap at the judge out of anger. I shouldn’t and will not explain why you shouldn’t do this
Learn from the law
I don’t mean get absolutely ripped in prison (but also why not) but at least don’t make the same mistakes twice.
Let us know in the comments below of ways you think Australia still needs to improve on our “Rule of Law”