by Chris Merritt | Sep 4, 2026 | Anti-Semitism, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Media Article
In a perfect world, Virginia Bell’s royal commission into anti-semitism and social cohesion would be assessed on its findings and recommendations. But that will not be possible unless the commission abandons its over-use of secrecy and reveals a suppressed section of...
by Chris Merritt | Aug 28, 2026 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, Media Article, Rule of Law Issue
Renewed moves are under way federally and in NSW to create statutory charters of rights. With luck, both schemes are destined for oblivion. They are, however, still worth examining – if only to expose their loopiness. The NSW Human Rights Bill, introduced last...
by Chris Merritt | Aug 27, 2026 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, Media Article
Paper given at the 2026 Samuel Griffiths Conference, Sydney, Australia. Renewed moves are under way federally and in NSW to create statutory charters of rights. Both initiatives are the result of private members’ bills. Neither is backed by the respective governments...
by Chris Merritt | Aug 21, 2026 | Anti-Semitism, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Media Article, Rule of Law Issue
The best judges control their rhetoric. Their judgments cover only those matters that are essential to decide the issue before them – no more and no less. This practice can be frustrating for lawyers who would dearly like to know what individual judges think on all...
by Chris Merritt | Aug 14, 2026 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Media Article
One of the curious aspects of the debate about charters of rights is how the proponents of these documents skate over the fact they make almost no difference. They create work for lawyers but they are a failure when judged by the one criterion that matters: do they...
by Chris Merritt | Aug 7, 2026 | All Posts, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Media Article, Rule of Law Issue
In a nation that respects the rule of all, equality before the law should be fundamental. There should be no special treatment for favoured individuals or organisations. Most people readily accept that principle. It demonstrates that fairness is a central plank of the...
