Just Cases Episode 14: 'Now free speech has been killled as well'
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posted on 2023-03-01, 03:32authored byMelissa Castan, James Pattison
Just Cases Episode 14: 'Now free speech has been killled as well'
History
Research statement
Background
How does the law balance the rights of women to access safe and legal abortions with the right to free speech and protest?
For over twenty years anti-abortion protesters have picketed abortion clinics around Australia.
To combat this targeted harassment of women seeking safe and legal abortions, state governments have passed ‘safe access zone’ laws which create an exclusion zone around abortion clinics which protestors cannot enter.
Contribution
A discussion of a High Court decision and research put before the court, accessible to law students and practitioners.
Significance
Case analysis drawing on my involvement in the case under discussion as amicus curiae and considering the degree to which academic research may inform judicial decision-making.