Attorney-General Martin Pakula to launch Law Week 2016 tonight

Victoria Law Foundation will hold a special event tonight to launch Law Week 2016 ahead of the week, which runs from 16–22 May across Victoria. Special guests include Victoria’s Attorney-General, the Honourable Martin Pakula MP, who will officially launch Law Week tonight. ‘Law Week is a great way of bringing better access to justice for Victorians and the Victoria Law Foundation has created another valuable program in 2016,’ said Mr Pakula. The Executive Director of Victoria Law Foundation, Joh Kirby, said the 37th annual Law Week is a celebration of the law. It includes a festival hub at Fed Square, music, legal health checks, films, tours and over 100 events relating to the law, most of which are free. Highlights

• Courts, media and public opinion –­ who’s leading who?: a lively debate and discussion with guest panelists, including ABC Radio journalist Jon Faine and Sentencing Advisory Council Chair Professor Arie Freiberg AM, exploring the current relationship between the courts, the media and the community. Monday 16 May.
• Keeping women out of prison: panelists discuss the complex issues surrounding women deemed at risk in the criminal justice system. Tuesday 17 May.
• Law Institute of Victoria mock trial: The Supreme Court will host a mock trial in which the defendant has been charged with possession of cocaine. Thursday 19 May.
• Courts Open Day: step behind the scenes of our courts with mock trials, behind-the-scenes tours, information sessions, exhibitions and more. Saturday 21 May.
• Talking Justice, Bendigo: various discussions featuring panellists Tim Costello, poet Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, singer songwriter Shane Howard, journalist Martin Flanagan and more. Various days.

Law Week runs from 16–22 May at various locations. For more information, go to www.lawweek.net.au. Join the conversation: Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/everydaylaw/)[Twitter  #LawWeek To see the full program of events, go to: www.lawweek.net.au