The public debate is an oratory tradition of some standing at the University of Melbourne. I like to think that it brings out the best in interactive (meatspace) scholarship, providing a framework for reflection and catalysing further discussion of the issues.

Why this sudden diversion into matters speechification? This Thursday, the Melbourne University Debating Society (upon whose committee the author humbly serves), is convening a rather interesting public debate. The topic concerns a most vexing issue in the criminal law: minimum sentences —

If you do the Crime, you should do the time … That we should introduce standard minimum sentences for criminal offences …

The debate will be chaired by Professor Jenny Morgan, Deputy Dean of the Melbourne Law School. The speaker list includes some rather notable personalities in Australian law and politics:

• Mr Ian Gray
  Chief Magistrate of Victoria
• Mr Brian Walters SC
  President of Liberty Victoria
• Mr Andrew McIntosh MP
  Shadow Attorney General
• Ms Jenny Mikakos MP
  Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Justice
• Mr Peter Ryan MP
  Leader of the National Party, Victoria
• Dr Kevin Donnelly
  Education columnist, The Australian

Thursday 11 May, 7.30pm
Room G08, Law School
University of Melbourne

Do join us this Thursday and take part in what promises to be a stimulating and rewarding discussion.