The book "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen, Richard Garnett, and Mary Keyes is a comprehensive and authoritative text in the field of private international law. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Introduction to Private International Law: The book begins with an introduction to the principles and scope of private international law, providing a foundational understanding for readers.
2. Jurisdiction and Judgments: It delves into the complexities of civil jurisdiction and judgments in international litigation, including discussions on jurisdiction and the recognition of foreign judgments.
3. International Arbitration: The authors examine the role of international arbitration in resolving disputes across borders, highlighting its significance in modern legal practice.
4. Choice of Law: The book provides an in-depth analysis of the applicable law method, including choice of law for obligations and property, which is crucial in determining the legal framework applicable to cross-border transactions.
5. International Family Law: It covers significant aspects of international family law, addressing issues such as child custody and spousal support in a cross-border context.
6. Corporate Insolvency: The third edition includes a new chapter on corporate insolvency, reflecting the evolving nature of private international law in Australia.
7. Taking of Evidence: The fifth edition introduces a new chapter on the taking of evidence across state and national borders, which is essential for legal proceedings involving multiple jurisdictions.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a clear and comprehensive analysis of private international law in Australia. It covers a wide range of topics, from the fundamental principles of private international law to specialized areas such as international arbitration and corporate insolvency. The authors aim to make the text accessible to both students and practitioners by using an understandable style and including detailed discussions of all key areas.

Critical Reception

The book has been highly regarded for its clarity and comprehensiveness. It is considered an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of private international law in Australia. The inclusion of recent developments, legislative reforms, and significant court decisions makes it particularly useful for legal practitioners and scholars.

Editions

• Third Edition (2015): This edition includes a new chapter on corporate insolvency and discusses important legislative reforms and court decisions.
• Fourth Edition: Although not specifically detailed in the sources, it is implied to be an updated version of the book, likely including further developments in the field.
• Fifth Edition (2023): This edition introduces a new chapter on the taking of evidence across state and national borders, reflecting the evolving nature of private international law.

Authors

• Reid Mortensen: Professor of Law and Head of School and Dean at the School of Law and Justice, University of Southern Queensland. He is also a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
• Richard Garnett: Co-author and contributor to the book, bringing expertise in private international law.
• Mary Keyes: Co-author and contributor, adding depth to the discussions on various aspects of private international law.

Overall, "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen, Richard Garnett, and Mary Keyes is a seminal work in the field, providing a thorough and accessible guide to the principles and practices of private international law in Australia.