Professor James Crawford AC, SC, FBA, currently Whewell Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge, one of Adelaide Law School’s most distinguished graduates and a former Professor at Adelaide Law School, returned to the University to attend the 2013 James Crawford Lecture on International Law on 11 September.
Click here to view full lecture video video.
Professor Crawford was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), Australia’s highest civilian honour, in the Queen’s Birthday honours for 2013. Professor Crawford is a nominee for the next election of judges to the International Court of Justice, 0which will take place on November 2014. He recently added to his distinguished record as an advocate before the International Court, appearing as counsel for Australia in the case concerning Whaling in the Antarctic.
Professor Orford’s lecture explored the implications of the shift from the language of humanitarian intervention to the responsibility to protect in the context of the critical international legal challenge arising from the imperative need to protect civilians at risk from major atrocities whilst maintaining respect of the international rule of law and preserving international peace and security.
An insightful commentary was delivered by Dr Emily Crawford, an expert on international humanitarian law from the Sydney Centre for International Law, who also happens to be Professor Crawford’s daughter.
At the lecture, Professor Crawford was presented with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award by the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor Warren Bebbington. Through this award, the University formally recognised Professor Crawford’s outstanding contributions to the field of international law and celebrated his ongoing association with the University of Adelaide.
The James Crawford Lecture was delivered by Professor Anne Orford, holder of the Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at Melbourne Law School, on the topic ‘From Humanitarian Intervention to the Responsibility to Protect’.
Professor Orford’s lecture explored the implications of the shift from the language of humanitarian intervention to the responsibility to protect in the context of the critical international legal challenge arising from the imperative need to protect civilians at risk from major atrocities whilst maintaining respect of the international rule of law and preserving international peace and security.
Professor John Williams said Professor Crawford is a great supporter and friend of Adelaide Law School as well as one of the finest international lawyers of our time. We were privileged that he was able to join us in Adelaide for this distinguished lecture series named in his honour.’
Associate Professor Dale Stephens commented ‘Inter- national law at Adelaide Law School is thriving and signature events such as the biennial James Crawford Lecture add greatly to the richness of the experience for our students in addition to contributing to public debate on matters of fundamental importance’.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington presents Professor James Crawford AC SC with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award
Professor John Williams (Adelaide Law School Dean), Professor Warren Bebbington (Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide), Professor James Crawford AC SC, Dr Emily Crawford and Professor Anne Orford at the 2013 James Crawford Lecture on International Law.
