How effective are case studies? 

Case studies aim to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills in relation to the Australian legal system, as well as its effectiveness in promoting a just and fair society by capturing a range of perspectives.  Their purpose aim is to foster engagement in students and have them grow up insisting that rule of law principles are important and must be protected and maintained.

The Rule of Law Education Centre is committed to educating teachers, students and the broader community about rule of law principles with the ultimate aim of creating active, engaged Australian and global citizens.  If people do not know what the rule of law is or what it means to them, then that is exactly why it must be taught, and from an early age.  Rule of law principles are important for all Australians to value and uphold, not just during their thirteen years of formal education, but for life.

Case Studies

Chris Dawson Case Note

The unsolved case regarding the disappearance over 40 year ago of Lynette Dawson became the subject of a globally acclaimed podcast ‘The Teacher’s Pet.’  As a result of media attention, the case was reopened and her husband at the time, Chris Dawson was found guilty of murder in 2022 by a judge alone trial. Click here.

Kulwinder Singh Case Note

The Crown alleged that Mr Singh had poured accelerant on his wife, Kaur, deliberately setting her alight with the intention of causing her serious harm, if not death.   This case note looks at the presumption of innocence, evidence, the role of juries to deliver fair outcomes and whether justice is achieved when the accused is acquitted after a lengthy period of time. Click here.

Keli Lane Case Note

What was the law behind the Keli Lane Case? What did the evidence say? What was the role of the judge and jury? Why didn’t Keli Lane speak about Tegan? Why did the appeal fail? Read our case note to understand more.

Geoffrey Rush Case Note

On 2 July 2020, Geoffrey Roy Rush was awarded a record $2.9m in damages by the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia after Nationwide News Pty Limited (“Nationwide News”) lost its appeal against a significant defamation ruling.  Mr Rush now stands as the record holder for the largest defamation payout to an individual in Australia.  Click here.

Skaf Case Note

Brothers Bilal and Mohammed Skaf, dubbed the ‘Skaf Rapists’, were involved in a number of gang rapes across Sydney in the early 2000s.  Mohammed Skaf’s recent release on parole on October 6, 2021, after 22 years in prison, has reignited a media debate about the adequacy of his sentence and whether he should have been allowed out into society on parole. Click here

Baden-Clay Case Note

The trial of Gerard Baden-Clay for the murder of his wife Allison in 2012 was one of the most high-profit murder investigations and trials in the history of Queensland. This case note considers the criminal justice process and what processes exist to ensure a fair trial and how the law addresses the expectations of victims and community in achieving a just outcome.  Click here.

Penalties for Breaching Covid-19 Restrictions in WA

Supreme Court of WA considered the penalties of breaking COVID directions after an unnamed woman was convicted for breaching Quarantine orders while picnicking with her terminally ill father. Click here.

Claremont Serial Killings

Claremont Serial Killing Case note looks at beyond reasonable doubt, propensity evidence and the rule of law.  Click here.

Pell v Queen

A Case Summary the highlighting relevant rule of law principles such as beyond reasonable doubt and quotations from the case. Click here