About Us

The ANU College of Law has an explicit commitment to the themes of law reform and social justice as core components for understanding the law. The Law Reform and Social Justice program facilitates students to engage with topics issues in law reform and justice – in Australia and internationally.

College academics teach, research and engage across a broad spectrum of social justice topic including: access to justice, due process, civil society, human rights, legal ethics, health justice, transitional justice, indigenous and refugee justice and youth justice. 

The idea of law reform is integral to the study of law at the College with students encouraged in their studies to ask: where does a law come from? What is its purpose? Is it working as it should? How could it be different? Staff at the College integrate the study of law reform into their teaching, conduct research into the need for law reform in particular areas, and contribute their expertise to formal law reform processes. 

Student-run projects are a key feature of the work supported by LRSJ. These projects provide a practical outlet for students to use their research skills, and assist students to understand the operation of law in society through community engagement. Students also have the opportunity to interact with academic staff outside of the classroom and work with students in other year cohorts. The projects aim to foster a commitment to social justice and law reform through volunteer activities. All students of the ANU College of LAW – undergraduate or graduate – are welcome to be involved in current projects, and to suggest new endeavours. 

Law Reform and Social Justice holds events with prominent speakers, film screenings, and panels discussing important contemporary issues. These events foster further engagement with the law and expose students to ideas of how they can work within and beyond the legal profession to achieve law reform and social justice. 

The Director of Law Reform and Social Justice is Associate Professor Matthew Zagor.

Our people

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LRSJ functions under the leadership of Associate Professor Matthew Zagor. A vibrant academic staff at ANU College of Law and across universities in Australia provide guidance and support to student-lead LRSJ teams.

Our Board

Our board comprises of eminent academics at the ANU College of Law who are committed to Law Reform and Social Justice, and are leaders in their respective fields of law. 

Get Involved

Law Reform and Social Justice lie at the heart of the ethos of the ANU College of Law, from teaching and research to the varied opportunities offered to students through LRSJ projects, training and events. Students are encouraged to get involved – it’s never too early in your law studies to engage in social justice!