Law in Context cover art

Law in Context

Law in Context

By: Emeritus Professor Stephen Bottomley and Emeritus Professor Stephen Parker AO
Listen for free

About this listen

Emeritus Professors Stephen Bottomley and Stephen Parker AO introduce law in a critical way to the general public, current students and those thinking of taking up the subject. They explain the Rule of Law, the Adversarial System of Justice, where law comes from, judges, juries, lawyers and many other topics, include problem areas such as access to justice.

© 2025 Law in Context
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 27 - The State
    Aug 25 2025

    Send us a text message with feedback

    What exactly is a " State"? It's not the same as a country, or a nation, or a government. States do need a government to be recognised as a state, as well as a permanent population and territory, but it gets complicated. There are parts of the world, such as Northern Cyprus and Taiwan, that have territory and a government, but are not states.

    It's an important issue, and indeed a vital one at the moment in the Middle East. Is Palestine a state? Should it be recognised as one?

    This episode describes the state as a political and legal construct. It isn't a cultural or ethnic one. Most of the world's land mass is within the state system. And who knows? Could the Moon be next?

    For more information about your dashing hosts and the Law in Context podcast series visit our website at About - Law in Context

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The Adversarial System - Snapshot
    Aug 11 2025

    Send us a text message with feedback

    The adversarial system of justice came from the English common law and spread. In this one minute snapshot, we contrast it with the inquisitorial system found in non-Anglo democracies.

    For a full version of the episode and further reading, visit https://lawincontext.com.au/adversarial-system/

    For more information about your dashing hosts and the Law in Context podcast series visit our website at About - Law in Context

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • Episode 26 - "Call my Agent!": Agency Law in Context
    Aug 10 2025

    Send us a text message with feedback

    Your gowned crusaders explore the concept of agency, its legal implications, and its relevance in everyday life. We discuss how agency allows individuals and companies to engage in contracts without direct involvement, the different types of authority agents can have, and the risks associated with agency relationships. We also touch on the evolving nature of agency in the context of AI and automated systems. If AI acts on our behalf, is it (or the AI provider) liable for errors or exceeding authority?


    For more information about your dashing hosts and the Law in Context podcast series visit our website at About - Law in Context

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.