What are your research interests?

My main research interest is in the law relating to equality and non-discrimination. This has taken me into a wide range of legal specialisations from the obvious anti-discrimination law to constitutional law, administrative law, human rights law, jurisprudence, and even criminal law. Right now, I am working on two research projects, one of which is a doctrinal analysis of the law relating to sex and gender identity. This will be published as a monograph with Cambridge University Press in 2025. The other project is a jurisprudential inquiry into the communal, equality based, aspects of the rule of law, which is what I've been primarily working on during my time here at ANU. 

What motivated you to come to the ANU College of Law as a Visiting Fellow?

For me, it was the fantastic research culture. There are some truly impressive legal scholars at ANU and the opportunity to meet and learn from them has been a real privilege. 

How have you found your time so far at the College?

I've had a wonderful time so far - and don't anticipate that ever changing! I've felt incredibly welcomed by everyone here and have particularly enjoyed the weekly seminar series that has started this semester. Canberra has been a great city to visit. I've had the good fortune to be shown around some of the sights. The view from Mount Ainslie is stunning; the National Library and Parliaments have been real highlights; and dinner in Kingston was a real treat. 

Your visitor's seminar is entitled ' The Rule of Law and Human Flourishing'. Why have you chosen to speak on this topic?

I've been interested in the principle of the rule of law for some time now, but one thing that has grabbed my attention recently is the idea that a well-functioning legal system that respects the dignity of each and every legal subject is absolutely essential for anything approaching the public good. We live in community with one another, and law is one of the foundational social institutions that helps to maintain the bonds of reciprocity necessary for community to survive and flourish. I'm particularly interested in how respect for the rule of law is necessary for our collective wellbeing. Most theories about the rule of law neglect this important aspect of social life and I'm excited to explore that from a distinctly jurisprudential perspective. 

What is next for you beyond your ANU fellowship?

Immediately after the fellowship I'll be heading to Melbourne for just over a week to continue some research presentations. After that, I'll be in the south of England camping with some friends before returning to Glasgow to start teaching in the Autumn. 

Learn more about the ANU College of Law Visiting Fellows Program.