PATRONS PERSPECTIVE
MONASH UNIVERSITY
It would be hard to
imagine a better theme for an international conference at this time than
"avoiding disaster".
Most lawyers can play
only a tiny part, as citizens, in avoiding disasters at an international
level. In a sense, our profession, we
represents the alternative model for humanity in our commitment to
institutions, international law, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement
of disputes. In a dangerous world, most
lawyers see the special utility of law and of the institutions of international
law.
Yet in our daily lives,
lawyers also have a part to play in avoiding disasters. Disasters in the forensic process are a blot
on the image of justice. They undermine
the community's confidence in the institutions of society established to
deliver justice according to law. The
forensic process engages not only lawyers but also experts in many
disciplines. Engineers when a building
or bridge collapses. Medical
specialists when people suffer from injuries or disease. Economists and business managers when
corporations fail through poor control.
Solicitors, barristers, mediators and ultimately judicial officers when
it is necessary to go beyond the parties to bring closure to the disaster.
As Patron, I welcome this
new initiative to bring together the central actors in disaster
resolution. I congratulate Professor
George Hampel QC, Ms Felicity Hampel QC and their colleagues in bringing
together a timely and useful conference in a setting likely to inspire bold
thoughts.
MICHAEL KIRBY
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