The UQ Pro Bono Centre produces a range of publications from both students and academics on important legal issues.
Newsletters
The UQ Pro Bono Centre publishes a newsletter to update academics, students and community groups on their recent activities.
Click here for our most recent update.
Student Publications - 2020
The Pro Bono Centre delivered 42 pro bono tasks in 2020, including 21 opportunities to produce legal research papers or contribute to law reform submissions. Some example papers are listed below.
Gender-related Violence Offences
This report was researched and written by Phylicia Lim and Maeve Lu for and on behalf of Women's Legal Service, a specialist Community Legal Centre. The report examines whether a separate criminal offence should be introduced in Queensland to cover situations where victims have been doused in petrol and threatened with violence.
Download the report (PDF, 236 KB)
Voting Rights in Prison: Issues Paper
Download the report (PDF, 636 KB)
Censorship of Mail in Australian Prisons
Download the report (PDF, 447 KB)
These reports were researched and drafted by UQ law students Martin Churchill and Murray Buchanan under the supervision of Civil Liberties Australia Vice-President Rajan Venkataraman and produced through the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
The reports seek to analyse human rights issues affecting the Australian Prison population.
Domestic and Family Violence in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities
Authored by UQ law students Maeve Lu, Xannel Mangahas and Jessica Nimmo under the academic supervision of Professor Heather Douglas, this literature review examines Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities' understanding of domestic and family violence, and the role of police in responding to such matters. The research was produced for and on behalf of South’s Community Hub Inc.
Download the report (PDF, 508 KB)
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and Bail Decisions
This research paper was researched and written by UQ law students Jane Beilby, Kristy Do and Jacinta Wild for and on behalf of Caxton Legal Centre, an independent, not-for-profit Community Legal Centre. It was produced by students through the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
This report aims to determine how human rights legislation has affected bail decision-making in other jurisdictions and consider the potential for the Act to improve outcomes for people seeking bail in Queensland.
Student Publications - 2019
The Pro Bono Centre delivered 51 pro bono tasks in 2019, including 16 opportunities to produce legal research papers or contribute to law reform submissions. Some example papers are listed below.
Case Review: Police Disciplinary Matters Proceeding through the QCAT
This paper was researched and authored by UQ law students Robyn Schermer, Famin Ahmed, Loretta Benson and Sophie Blatcher for and on behalf of Stephen Keim SC (Barrister-at-Law).
Download the report (PDF, 551 KB)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Processes (Qld): Critical Analyses - June 2019
This project was researched and written by Madeleine Pitman, Thomas Moore and Karen Zhu for and on behalf of the Environmental Defenders Office, a non-profit, non-government Community Legal Centre.
This project broadly examines issues and problems related to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process prior to the completion of an Environmental Authority (EA) application in Queensland.
Download the report (PDF, 454 KB)
Student Publications - 2017 and 2018
The Pro Bono Centre delivered 60 pro bono tasks in 2018 and 70 tasks in 2017, including 41 opportunities to produce legal research papers or contribute to law reform submissions. Some example papers are listed below.
A comparative analysis of the international implementation of rights of nature laws - October 2018
This report was researched and drafted by UQ law students Christabelle Stafford-Smith, Lachlan Hinchliff and Lucy Kaiser under the supervision of Environmental Defenders Office lawyer Revel Pointon and produced through the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
This report seeks to analyse legal systems globally that have implemented so called 'nature laws' and evaluate their success.
Police Photography of Children in Queensland – August 2018
Researched and written by UQ law students Isabelle Peart, Josephine Booth and Amy Hancell, this position paper was prepared for and on behalf of Caxton Legal Centre’s Human Rights and Civil Law Practice.
Police Powers during the Commonwealth Games 2018 - Answers to frequently asked questions about police powers during the Games – May 2018
This factsheet answers some common questions about an individual’s legal rights, particularly with regard to police interactions, in and around GC2018.
Objectionable Behaviour Evictions in Social Housing – May 2018
Researched and written by UQ law students Ellie Conroy, Sarah Gilmour and Ayan Mohamud, this position paper was prepared for and on behalf of Caxton Legal Centre’s Human Rights and Civil Law Practice and builds on earlier work by staff and students in that team.
Declared unfit to plead - April 2018
This research report was researched and written by Ellen Limerick, Dylan Kerr, Lauren Causer and Taylor Thomas. It provides a comparative analysis between each Australian jurisdiction with a focus on Queensland. The research was conducted for the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, the Office of Public Advocate and the Office of Public Guardian.
Download the report (PDF, 387.7 KB)
Review of Standard Guidelines for Corrections in Australia – August 2017
A submission produced for and on behalf of Prisoners’ Legal Service to assist PLS to respond to the Queensland Corrective Services 2017 review of the Standard Guidelines for Corrections in Australia 2012. The submission was researched and written by law students Joshua Keenan and Rebecca Bellamy under the supervision of law PhD candidate Jessica Ritchie.
Law Reform Submission – Inquiry into Establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia – April 2017
Researched and written by UQ law students Nikita Aganoff, Rebecca Scott and Clare Scrine, this submission examines the nature and extent of modern slavery and supports the introduction of a Modern Slavery Act in Australia. It was produced through the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre) under the academic supervision of Dr Paul Harpur and PhD Candidate Jessica Ritchie.
Law Reform Submission – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme in Queensland – February 2017
Researched and written by UQ law students Henni Lui and Carmen Nicholls, this submission outlines arguments for and against the implementation of a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme in Queensland. This submission was prepared under the academic supervision of Professor Heather Douglas.
Student Publications - 2015 and 2016
Law Reform Submission – Youth Justice and Other Legislation – October 2016
Primarily researched and drafted by UQ law students Jane Hall and Jessica Downing-Ide, this submission examines and supports proposed legislative changes to youth justice legislation in Queensland. Professor Heather Douglas provided academic supervision for this pro bono research task. Law school staff were invited to endorse the submission and their names and signatures are included at the back. The result is a collaborative piece of work between senior law students and UQ law academics.
Appearing in Court via Audio Visual Link: Issues for Young People - June 2016
This research paper was researched and written by law students Emma Page and Claire Robertson for and on behalf of the Youth Advocacy Centre. It was produced by students through the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Research Report – Working with Children Exposed to Domestic Violence - April 2016
Researched and written by UQ law students Colin Craig and Milly Khan, this report considers issues of consent, capacity and confidentiality for DV counsellors who work with young people. This report was prepared for and on behalf of the Domestic Violence Action Centre, based in Ipswich, Queensland.
Law Reform Submission – Review of expunging criminal convictions for historical gay sex offences - March 2016
This is a submission to the Queensland Law Reform Commission's review of expunging criminal convictions for historical gay sex offences. The submission was researched and written by UQ law students Erin Morris, Sarah Clouston and Chloe Widmaier under the academic supervision of Professor Heather Douglas. Numerous academics from the UQ Law School endorse the submission and its recommendations.
In Business Program International Labour Organisation - January 2016
This paper was produced for and on behalf of the ILO following a research request from Mr Wade Bromley, Enterprise Development and Livelihoods Technical Officer (based in Bangkok, Thailand). It is intended to assist the ILO in its implementation of the In Business program by providing an explanation of general principles of franchise law, the possible legal and regulatory frameworks, including in-country laws, potential barriers and challenges and finally, recommendations to the ILO including an alternate means for operationalizing the program to facilitate various stakeholders who might otherwise be resistant to such a product.
The paper was researched and written by senior law students Magan Goh, Ryan Halverson and Victoria Taylor-Philip under the academic supervision of Associate Professor David Morrison.
Coordinating community legal information and publications – A discussion paper for Queensland legal assistance services - December 2015
A discussion paper produced by QAILS regarding the coordination of CLE (community legal education) materials in Queensland. This is a QAILS report, with research assistance provided by UQ law students Julian Ladd and Rebecca Rutland.
Queensland’s Frontier Killing Times – Facing up to Genocide - November 2015
An academic paper researched and co-authored by law students Hannah Baldry andAilsa McKeon, and Caxton Legal Centre Director Scott McDougall. The paper was published by the QUT Law Review: (2015) Vol 15, Issue 1. An earlier version of the paper was presented at the World Indigenous Legal Conference in Brisbane, QUT, June 2014.
Customary Land and Development Handbook: Mining, Logging and Environmental Approval Process Explained - August 2015
A community legal education handbook on mining processes for landowners in the Solomon Islands, produced for and on behalf of the Landowners Advocacy and Legal Support Unit (LALSU), Public Solicitors Office, Solomon Islands. The handbook was researched, written and designed by law student William Lee under the academic supervision of Professor Jennifer Corrin.
Research paper: Tongan Jury Reform – comparative analysis and recommendations - July 2015
A research paper produced for and on behalf of the Supreme Court of Tonga about the operation of civil and criminal jury trials. The paper was researched and written by law students Balawyn Jones, Lachlan Campbell and Ravi Gosel under the supervision of Professor Jennifer Corrin.
Research brief: Reform of Queensland’s Abortion Laws - May 2015
A research brief produced for and on behalf of Children By Choice about the need for abortion law reform in Queensland. The paper was researched and written by law students Brigette Landers and Chloe Bennett in consultation with Children By Choice and under the supervision of Professors Heather Douglas and Caroline de Costa.
Evaluation of a Collaborative Partnership - April 2015
An evaluation report produced for and on behalf of Pine Rivers Community Legal Service about the Legal Assistance Services Partnership with two Family Relationship Centres (Strathpine and Chermside) and Legal Aid Queensland. The paper was researched and written by law students Lucy Agnew and Bronte Shaddock, under the supervision of Dr Paul O’Shea and Ms Monica Taylor.
Law Reform: Gone Missing - February 2015
A research brief published in the Alternative Law Journal 40(1) 2015, written by law students Anna-Gunning-Stevenson, Sara Ser and Valentine Dubois. The paper considers ways of improving the law’s response to missing persons in Queensland.
Student Publications - 2014 and prior
Cost effectiveness analysis of a ‘justice reinvestment’ approach to Queensland’s youth justice services - November 2014
An economic evaluation to identify and quantify the possible avoided costs and number of young people entering the youth justice system if the Queensland government invested in justice reinvestment programs. UQ economists Alexandra Bratanova and Dr Jackie Robinson prepared the report for Balanced Justice, an alliance of community organisations that work to enhance the safety of all Queenslanders by promoting understanding of criminal justice policies that are effective, evidence-based and human rights compliant.
Reproductive Health and Domestic Violence - August 2014
A research paper produced for and on behalf of Children By Choice about the role and impact of domestic violence as a barrier to accessing reproductive health. The research was conducted by law students Pui-Chi Cheung, Hannah Baldry, Harry Maxwell and Phuong Nguyen under the supervision of law academic Professor Heather Douglas.
Queensland community legal centre’s use of technology – literature review and discussion paper - August 2014
A discussion paper produced by the Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services Inc. (QAILS) on Queensland community legal centre’s use of technology. Law students Jessica Guy, Ravi Gosal, Maja Cvjetanovic prepared a literature review and conducted telephone interviews with lawyers in support of this paper. The students worked alongside lawyers from Allens Linklaters.
Legislative Encroachment on Judicial Discretion in Queensland - October 2014
This research paper summarises the winding back of judicial discretion in Queensland legislation, from 2012 to today. The paper was prepared for and on behalf of the Law and Justice Institute of Queensland Inc. It was researched and written by law students Nathan Lindsay and Evelyn Hoare under the academic supervision of Professor Heather Douglas.
Judicial Appointments in Queensland: Options For Reform - August 2014
Options paper on judicial selection in Queensland prepared for and on behalf of the Law and Justice Institute of Queensland Inc. The options paper was researched and written by law students Joshua Sproule and Amina Karcic under the academic supervision of Professor Heather Douglas.
2013 Report on Queensland Prisons - March 2014
2013 Report on Queensland Prisons prepared by Prisoner’s Legal Service and the Catholic Prison Ministry. Part B, Post-release services for prisoners in South East Queensland, researched and written by Nick Lindsay, Portia Tyle and Melanie Wong, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Delays within the Mental Health Act in Queensland: section 238 reports - July 2013
A research report prepared for Queensland Advocacy Inc. on delays with the production of psychiatric reports under the Mental Health Act 2000 (Qld), commonly known as ‘section 238 reports’. Authors Anna Fanelli, Sarah Fouhy and Mai-Ning Wu, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Coronial inquests and investigative processes in Queensland - June 2013
A research report prepared for Caxton Legal Centre on coronial inquests and investigative processes in Queensland. Authors Kieran Clancy, Nathan Morley, Kelly Staunton and Jenny Wang, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Barriers to parole for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Australia - June 2013
A research report prepared for Prisoners Legal Service. Authors Rachel Hew, Victoria Apted and Tanya Sinha, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Doctors and Drugs: How the Law Responds to Doctor-Shopping in Australia - April 2013
Research report prepared for Sisters Inside. Authors Elly Brand, Isobel Farquharson, Karrie Hartwig & Kah Hey Loh, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
The Nuisance of Being Homeless
Article in Parity, the national publication of the Council to Homeless Persons, Volume 25, Issue 2, May 2012. Authors Anna Fanelli, Mitchell Shannon and Julian Pryde (with additional research contributed by Darren Williams and Alan Hewson), students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
Prisoners' Legal Service 2011 Report on Queensland Prisons
Chapter Three ‘Education Behind Bars’ researched and written by Jessica Faithfull, Eleanor Foote and Carl Tessmann, students of the Manning St Project (a partnership between the UQ Pro Bono Centre and Caxton Legal Centre).
A comparative study into the rights of landholders to prevent access to land by mining companies
Produced for the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL). Authored by Julian Bodenmann, Matthew Cameron, Kathryn O’Hare and Emma-Rose Solomon under the academic supervision of Dr Justine Bell.
Proposed Statutory Tort of Privacy: An Annotated Bibliography
Produced for the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL). Researched and authored by Joanna Lane, Breeanna Jeffs, Jessica Thrower & Paris Astill-Torchia under the academic supervision of Associate Professor Kit Barker.
The Regulation of Prisoner's Art - An Overview of the Legislative and Policy Position Within Australia
Produced for the Arts Law Centre of Australia. Researched and authored by Alison Black and Elizabeth Clare under the academic supervision of Dr Peter Billings.
Background & Legislative Status of 'Do Not Track' Legal Initiatives
Produced for the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL). Researched and authored by Brigette Garbin and Kelly Staunton under the academic supervision of Dr Mark Burdon.
Pro Bono Centre Publications
When appropriate, the UQ Pro Bono Centre makes submissions to government and industry bodies on issues that affect access to justice and legal education in Australia. Below is a list of the Centre’s recent submissions and publications:
1 June 2016
What does pro bono publico mean to lawyers? A report on the findings of the Pro Bono Values Project
Click here to read the report
11 March 2015
Law Admissions Consultative Committee, on the review of academic requirements for admission to the legal profession (with letter of support from QAILS)
Click here to view submission Submission attachment
1 January 2015
To the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee (Queensland Parliament), on the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
Click here to view submission
5 June 2014
Productivity Commission, in response to its draft report on Access to Justice Arrangements (submission two)
Click here to view submission
4 November 2013
Productivity Commission, on its Inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements (submission one)
Click here to view submission