ANU Law Reform and Social Justice (LRSJ) presents a careers seminar with His Honour Dr John Lowndes, former Chief Judge of the Local Court of the Northern Territory.

In a conversation moderated by ANU College of Law Associate Dean (Education) and acting LRSJ Director, Associate Professor Vivien Holmes, Dr Lowndes shared his experience with current students and offered helpful advice.

1:15 Origins of Dr Lowndes’ study and practice of law
5:03 Student introductions
8:20 Dr Lowndes’ experience as a coroner
9:48 “Culture shock” of arriving in the NT
12:34 Criminal law reform in the NT
16:26 Mandatory sentencing in the NT
19:45 Mandatory sentencing for minors
20:45 “Individualised justice” as an alternative
27:10 Developing the skill set of being judge
35:52 Mitigating factors in sentencing
40:00 “Professional” relationship between courts and police
41:12 Career-shaping cases
44:58 Mental health treatment orders
51:12 Challenges in pursuing social justice