La Trobe Law Forum - International law

Terrorism: Denying responsibility on the basis of statelessness

nospam@example.com (Lola Akin Ojelabi) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:09:24 +1100

The recent terrorist attack in Mumbai, India saw many innocent people killed and accusing fingers pointed at Pakistan on the basis that the only terrorist apprehended had a link with Pakistan. US intelligence also claims that former Pakistani military officers trained the terrorists involved. The Pakistani Prime Minister appeared on Larry King Live denying the allegations and claiming that the perpetrators of the terrorist act were stateless actors. By making this claim, the Pakistani Prime Minister avoids taking any responsibility in regard to the attack, either in the form of Pakistan being found to have breached its international obligations, or having to pay compensation to the victims and families of victims of the attack, and being viewed once again by the international community as a terrorist State, a reputation which Pakistan is vehemently fighting against by courting the United States. The denial is a familiar response, as States generally deny any association with terrorists, even when such association is obvious. It also places the burden on the international community to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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New Wave of Company Law Reform in the South Pacific

nospam@example.com (Gordon Walker) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:08:40 +1100

A new, second generation wave of company law reform is rolling through South Pacific nations. In the early 21st century, Niue and Samoa passed new company law legislation. At present, Vanuatu, Tonga and the Solomon Islands are preparing new company law statutes. All of the draft legislation draws on the New Zealand Companies Act 1993 but has been adapted for local circumstances.

Where did South Pacific Company Law come from?

With a few exceptions, most South Pacific nations followed the law of the United Kingdom. To be sure, the United Kingdom was a great exporter of law. So, for example, British law was first received in Virginia in 1607. Then, for approximately four centuries, British law spread to countries under British rule and came to regulate the lives of about one third of the people on earth.
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Fairer trade and the human right to development

nospam@example.com (Jianfu Chen) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:05:44 +1000

In the first of the presentations of the School of Law Colloquium Series for 2008, Professor Jianfu Chen considers the twin goals of fair trade and the right to development (as a human right). In doing so, Professor Chen looks at the historical origins of the relevant treaties and considers the progress that has been made towards these two goals. Professor Chen's materials may be accessed at the following links: Fairer Trade Paper and Fairer Trade Presentation