John Bray Law Network
The Network was established on 23 April, 1992 and has as its objects the promotion and fostering of interaction and involvement between the School of Law, its undergraduates and graduates and the friends and alumni of the University and to encourage cooperation between the Faculty and the legal profession. All graduates in law or presently or formerly enrolled students or Law School staff are members.
The Network is named for Dr John Bray (1912-1995) who was Chief Justice of South Australia from 1967 until 1978. Dr Bray was respected throughout the common- law world as a learned reformer and jurist and was notable for his classical scholarship, poetry and wit.
The Network is administered by a Committee, which convenes an Annual General Meeting and general meetings arranged from time to time to supervise its activities.
Members of the Committee form subcommittees to oversee particular projects. The Network's President is Judge Gordon Barrett of the District Court of South Australia, and the Committee comprises representatives of the judiciary, legal profession, law school and others.
Program and activities
The Network convenes an occasional John Bray Oration. Orators have included Justices Dawson, Kirby, Gummow and Callinan of the High Court, Senator Robert Hill, then Minister for Defence, Mr Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia, and Professor Barry Jones, Vice Chancellor’s fellow of the University of Melbourne and former Minister for Science in the Hawke Government.
From time to time other addresses have been presented. These have included "Gender issues and the Law" addressed by Justice Elizabeth Evatt, "Murder in Paradise" by Justice Andrew Wilson, and "Human Rights! Refugees and Terrorists-What Rights" by Judge Clifford Wallace, Senior Judge and Chief Judge Emeritus, US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
The Network, in conjunction with Law Society of South Australia held a public seminar in April 2006 concerning the 1958 Rupert Max Stuart case, presented by Geoffrey Robertson QC and commenced with a keynote address by High Court Justice Michael Kirby. Highlights of the seminar were later broadcast on Radio Adelaide.
The Network plans similar seminars on other themes in the future.
The Network presents Annual Book prizes for the best performance in all of the compulsory subjects for the Bachelor of Laws degree, and for the first year contract Moot and has facilitated book prizes which are awarded by Adelaide legal firms.
The Network holds an annual Quiz Night for the "Chief Justices' Shield" to raise funds for its activities.
The Network has published five Books: collections of essays on the lives of two distinguished South Australians- Dr Bray ("A Portrait of John Bray") and Dame Roma Mitchell " Dame Roma - Glimpses of a Glorious Life ", Ralph Hague's "History of the Nineteenth Century Supreme Court" , and Dr. John Emerson's "History of the South Australian Bar" and "First Amongst Equals- The Lives of the Twentieth Century Chief Justices of South Australia". The latter has recorded the legal careers of our twentieth century Chief Justices and the social development of the State through that time. The Network has commissioned a formal Biography of Dr John Bray
Copies of books are available through the Development and Alumni office. It is proposed to publish further such books from time to time and to utilise the proceeds towards scholarships for the Law school.
Papinian Publishing also sell books on behalf of the John Bray Law Network.
Contact DetailsPresidentJudge Gordon BarrettPresident, John Bray Law Network
District Court of South Australia
Sir Samuel Way Building
Victoria Square
Adelaide SA 5000
SecretaryMr Robert CameronSecretary John Bray Law Network
34 Carrington Street Adelaide SA 5000
Tel + 61 8 82052966
Email racameron@ozemail.com.au