Private International Law in Australia

The book "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen is a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of private international law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Introduction to Private International Law: The book begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of private international law, providing a foundational understanding for both students and practitioners.
2. Jurisdiction and Judgments: It delves into the complexities of jurisdiction, including personal jurisdiction at common law, diversity jurisdiction, and the Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth).
3. International Arbitration: The book covers the enforcement of international arbitration agreements, including the writing requirement and the process of enforcing these agreements.
4. Choice of Law: It examines the principles of choice of law for obligations and property law, which are crucial in resolving conflicts of laws.
5. International Family Law: The book discusses the application of private international law in family law matters, including issues related to divorce, child custody, and other family-related disputes.
6. Corporate Insolvency: A new chapter added in the third edition focuses on corporate insolvency, highlighting the legal frameworks and procedures relevant to international corporate insolvency.
7. Legislative Reforms and Significant Decisions: The book provides an in-depth analysis of recent legislative reforms and significant decisions by Australian courts, ensuring that the content remains relevant and up-to-date.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a clear and comprehensive analysis of the principles of private international law. It starts with an introduction to the subject, followed by detailed chapters on jurisdiction, judgments, international arbitration, choice of law, and international family law. The addition of a new chapter on corporate insolvency in the third edition reflects the growing importance of this area in legal practice. The text is designed to be accessible to both students and practitioners, making it invaluable for understanding the complexities of private international law in Australia.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is highly regarded for its clear and comprehensive analysis of private international law in Australia. The inclusion of recent legislative reforms and significant court decisions indicates that the book is well-received for its practical relevance and academic rigor. The third edition, in particular, has been noted for its addition of a new chapter on corporate insolvency, which has been a significant development in the field.

Editions

The book has been published in multiple editions:

• Third Edition: The third edition was published in 2015 by LexisNexis Butterworths. It includes a new chapter on corporate insolvency and covers important recent developments in Australian private international law.
• Fourth Edition: Although the fourth edition is mentioned, details about its content are limited due to the website maintenance notice.

In summary, "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of private international law in Australia. Its comprehensive coverage, accessible style, and inclusion of recent legislative reforms make it an invaluable resource for both students and practitioners in the field.