The book "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen, Richard Garnett, and Mary Keyes is a comprehensive and authoritative text on 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 principles and scope of private international law, setting the stage for the subsequent discussions.
2. Jurisdiction and Judgments: It delves into the complexities of jurisdiction and judgments in international litigation, including civil jurisdiction and judgments in Australia and New Zealand.
3. Taking of Evidence: The fifth edition introduces a new chapter on the taking of evidence across state and national borders, which is crucial for legal proceedings.
4. Applicable Law Method: The book examines the applicable law method, which is essential for determining the legal rules that apply to a particular case.
5. International Family Law: It provides an in-depth analysis of international family law, including issues related to marriage, divorce, and child custody.
6. Choice of Law for Obligations and Property: The book discusses the choice of law for obligations and property, which are critical areas in private international law.
7. International Company Law: It covers international company law, including corporate insolvency and other related topics.

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 discussions on various aspects of private international law. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, from jurisdiction and judgments to international family law and choice of law for obligations and property. The fifth edition includes new chapters on the taking of evidence, which is a significant development in the field.

Critical Reception

The book is highly regarded for its clear and accessible style, making it invaluable to both students and practitioners of law. The authors' authoritative approach ensures that the text remains up-to-date with recent developments in Australian private international law, including legislative reforms and significant court decisions. The book has been praised for its comprehensive range of topics and detailed discussion of all key areas, making it a go-to resource for those studying or practicing private international law in Australia.

Editions

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the latest being the fifth edition in 2023. The earlier editions, such as the third edition published in 2015, also received positive reviews for their in-depth examination of the subject matter.

Authors

Reid Mortensen is a Professor of Law and Head of School and Dean at the School of Law and Justice, University of Southern Queensland. He is a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland and has extensive experience in teaching and practicing private international law. Richard Garnett and Mary Keyes are also experienced legal scholars who contribute to the book's authoritative tone.

In summary, "Private International Law in Australia" by Reid Mortensen, Richard Garnett, and Mary Keyes is a seminal text that provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles and practices of private international law in Australia. Its clear and accessible style, coupled with its authoritative approach, makes it an invaluable resource for both students and practitioners in the field.