Discrimination Law and Practice

Overview of "Discrimination Law and Practice" by Chris Ronalds and Elizabeth Raper

Key Themes

The book "Discrimination Law and Practice" by Chris Ronalds and Elizabeth Raper is a comprehensive guide to the complex and evolving field of Australian discrimination law. The key themes include:

• Grounds of Discrimination: The book covers various attributes and grounds of discrimination, including employment, education, harassment, vilification, and racial hatred.
• Definitions and Liability: It provides detailed definitions of discrimination and explores liability, vicarious liability, and defences in discrimination cases.
• Employment and Education: The book delves into employment discrimination and education discrimination, highlighting recent judicial decisions and statutory amendments.
• Harassment and Bullying: It includes a specific chapter on harassment and bullying, including cyber-bullying, which is a topical issue in modern discrimination law.
• Victimisation and Remedies: The book discusses victimisation and other unlawful acts, as well as the various remedies available in discrimination cases.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a clear and accessible overview of Australian discrimination law. It begins with an introduction to the current position and background of discrimination law in Australia. The subsequent chapters delve into the specific grounds of discrimination, definitions, and legal frameworks. The book is organized to be both comprehensive and concise, making it useful for both lawyers and non-lawyers alike.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its practical application and comprehensive coverage of Australian discrimination law. Here are some key points from the critical reception:

• Accessibility: The book is praised for its clear and concise writing, making it accessible to both lawyers and non-lawyers. It is described as an excellent overview of the developing field of Australian discrimination law.
• Usefulness for Barristers: The book is particularly helpful for barristers who do not specialize in discrimination law, providing a valuable handbook for general reference or specific briefs. For those specializing in discrimination law, the book is useful for its coverage of significant recent developments, including judicial decisions and statutory amendments.
• Recent Developments: The fourth edition of the book incorporates recent judicial decisions of importance, as well as statutory amendments, such as the impact of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the new Federal Court Rules.

Editions and Publication

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the most recent fifth edition being completely updated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex field of discrimination law. The fourth edition, published in 2012, is also widely available and has been well-received for its coverage of significant recent developments in Australian discrimination law.

Authors

Chris Ronalds is a leading Sydney barrister specializing in discrimination law, employment law, and administrative law. She has over 20 years of experience in these fields and has been recognized for her services to women and anti-discrimination legislation. Elizabeth Raper is a barrister at the New South Wales Bar, with a practice that includes employment and discrimination law. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Sydney, teaching in the post-graduate program.