Not Just a Lawyer

Sarah Avery
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Law and law-adjacent hot topics highlighted or explained for the lay person. Opinions and non-legal interests occasionally featured.

  1. 09/19/2025

    A call to action

    Series Finale (or is it?)

    5 min

  2. 01/24/2025

    UN Human Rights Committee: Australia responsible for children in Nauru regional processing centre

    Children trying to seek refuge in Australia have been detained on Nauru. They argue that Australia is still responsible for them. Australia made a carefully worded agreement with Nauru to avoid responsibility. If Australia has no responsibility, Australia says it is not obliged to ensure the human rights of these children. Um, okay, weird flex about not protecting literal human children, Australia. The UN Human Rights Committee has found that Australia is responsible, and breached Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. To read the decision, click here: https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CCPR%2FC%2F142%2FD%2F2749%2F2016&Lang=en Euphemisms are very fun. Unaccompanied minor = child, all alone with no parent or guardian

    18 min

  3. 01/23/2025

    It was a Nazi salute. But here’s why a Roman salute is not better

    Very short, sharp episode about the close link between the Roman Empire and Nazism. Why the “Roman salute” explanation is still scary as heck.

    4 min

  4. 01/22/2025

    Nazis are bad. Fascists are bad.

    Billionaires who fail to denounce nazis and fascists are, you guessed it, bad. In Australia, we do not (as far as we know at this stage) have a fascist with overwhelming political power in parliament. But we cannot ignore what is happening in the US. This not-lawyerly episode discusses one concrete action you can take now to strengthen your community. It is aimed at Australians but may be applicable to listeners elsewhere. Fun fact: many people attribute “hope is not a strategy” to Rudy Giuliani but versions have been kicking around at least since the 1970s according to General Gordon R Sullivan, former chief of staff of the US Army, and the coiner of “hope is not a method”. See more here: https://www.americanheritage.com/hope-not-method Some creative options for communication tools: old-fashioned letters, meetings, Signal app, Discord app, plays, songs, posters.

    8 min

  5. 01/22/2025

    Spit hoods are back

    And as bad as ever. NT reinstating dangerous and degrading practice of using spit hoods, still criminalising children. Reporting from The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/14/northern-territory-spit-hood-ban-lifted-clp-ntwnfb

    9 min

  6. 03/04/2024

    BREAKING NEWS: apprehended bias decision in Drumgold v Board of Enquiry and others

    Acknowledgment of Country. CW: the case that started it all is a high-profile sexual assault matter. Breaking news on the ACT Supreme Court’s decision in this highly-publicised, complex and super-interesting matter. I translate from legalese and give cringe-worthy facts their day in the sun, but most importantly, I help you understand this important case. Read the full decision here: https://www.courts.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/2408133/Drumgold-v-Board-of-Inquiry-and-Ors-No.-3-2024-ACTSC-58.pdf

    58 min

  7. 12/30/2023

    Water safety: my number one rescue tip

    Acknowledgement of Country. A not-very-lawyerly episode. My swimming teacher experience and coastal upbringing have given me some knowledge, and I share that with you! Disclaimer: I’m not your swimming teacher (see, I’m still lawyerly). Great resources: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/beach-safety/rip-currents/ and https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/Water-Safety and your local swim school or surf lifesaving club. Bonus: My voice is soothing and you can use this as a sleep aid. Happy new year!

    33 min

  8. 10/25/2023

    Aftermath of shame: referendum 2023

    Acknowledgment of Country. Call to action to allies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folks: don’t freeze, don’t be silent. VOICE TREATY TRUTH

    21 min
See All (138)

Trailer

About

Law and law-adjacent hot topics highlighted or explained for the lay person. Opinions and non-legal interests occasionally featured.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Avery
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Avery