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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