Ceci n’est pas une loi: Out of Context
And yet in time, we'll meet again / let's smoke and litigate 'til then.
Scripted Chaos by Connor Chandler
Within the halls of academia lies a strange phenomenon. An alluring project where the line between passion and obsession blurs. A task where the toll is measured not in mere sweat and tears, but rather in the very essence of the law students who dare to join.
Welcome to a show about law.
Found deep in historical tradition, for some godforsaken reason, the Law Revue forms an integral part of a true legal education. It is a sanctuary where tortured students showcase their pain through sketch, song, and satire. The show provides a way to escape the moot court and presents itself as the perfect antidote to the stress of law school. But beneath the glamour of the show is a daunting reality. This, importantly, is where I come in.
I began my journey with the Law Revue in my first year. Now, one must note that this journey did not begin according to my own volition. It began in the way that many journeys begin: with a good friend. In this case, a good friend who forced me to audition. But oh, am I glad that I did. That year was adventurous, to say the least. I made a new family. We would laugh, perform, and celebrate. Students came from across all years, and most of them I still call friends to this day. The feeling of being on stage with the people you love, making others laugh, is a truly liberating experience. That year will always remain one of the best years of my life. But that was where things changed.
For you see, most participants consider being a cast member enough. The weekly rehearsals and show runs are enough to satisfy their appetites. Yet some decide that there must be more. The next adventure lies in being a producer, and this is where the seemingly angelic landscape begins to disfigure itself. But, you see, for those willing, the beck and call of directorship is something unstoppable. For me and my fabulous co-director, this shiniest of lures was irresistible and our gravestones shall read:
‘Here lie the Directors of Law Revue 2024’
What lies ahead is something quite marvellous.
‘Your Honour!’ A phrase that most law students know (I hope) as a pet name for the judges. But for us, it is the name of this year's show, stolen and rewritten from the one and only Broadway musical ‘Beetlejuice’. If you are lost, you’ve probably heard the sound on TikTok!
Check out this snippet from my pitch, a word here which means a teaser that encapsulates the essence of the entire show.
‘It is a harrowing production that teeters on the edge of absurdity and realism. It shatters the façade of glamour and prestige associated with the legal profession, exposing the grotesque hellscape that awaits aspiring law students. The question that looms like a menacing shadow is this: Do you dare venture forth to become a solicitor, a barrister, or, worst of all, a high court judge?’
As dark as this may seem, we promise it’ll leave you laughing your head off in your seats!
The masterpiece has started to take shape and the rehearsals are filled with palpable excitement. The prospect of entertaining an audience while lampooning legal conventions fuels our determination.
Yet, deep down I know; the days will surely turn into weeks, the balance between work, uni, and life will skew, the luxury of sleep will fade and the very essence of me will dissolve. And yet… my love for my show shall surely grow.
As I begin this journey, knowing what beast lies ahead, I find some solace amidst the chaos. Although the cracks are starting to show in a harmonious life once filled with love, freedom and hope, the moments of sheer brilliance and enjoyment seem to make it all so worthwhile. The highs and lows of Law Revue have left an indelible mark on my life. It has taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, the value of collaboration in the pursuit of a common goal, and the power of laughter to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
So, to all those embarking on their own journey, I offer this advice; embrace the challenges, cherish the moments, and above all, never lose sight of why you started in the first place. For in the end, it is not the accolades or applause that define our journey, but the courage to step into the spotlight, however imperfectly. You'll just have to wait until August to find out if it was worth it.
I cannot wait to showcase this masterpiece to you all, my friends. Stay tuned, and I’ll see you on the other side.
Review: Dead Poets Society by Mikaela Mariano
Watching this movie stirred something within me, prompting deep reflection on the importance of finding my own voice and thinking independently. As a law student, I often feel the tug of conformity, pressured to fit into the mould of what's expected in the legal world. But Dead Poets Society serves as a poignant reminder to resist the urge to blend in and instead embrace my unique perspective and critical thinking skills.
Though the movie may not directly tie into the topics covered in this edition of The Brief, its underlying message speaks volumes. Just like Professor Keating encourages his students to challenge the status quo and speak their truth, we, as future legal eagles, must also summon the courage to question unjust laws and hone our advocacy skills.
One scene from Dead Poets Society resonates deeply with me on a personal level. It's the moment when Todd Anderson, initially depicted as a reserved introvert, stands atop his desk and recites ‘O Captain, My Captain’. Todd's transformation from timid to bold symbolises the profound impact of finding our voice and speaking out against injustice.
As I watched this scene, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. Like Todd, I've experienced moments of hesitation and self-doubt in navigating the complexities of the legal field. However, witnessing his courageous act reminded me of the power we hold when we dare to raise our voices, not only to present compelling arguments but also to challenge unjust norms and systems.
The words of Professor Keating, "There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for," reverberate in my mind. They serve as a constant reminder of the delicate balance between courage and prudence as we strive for justice. This scene, etched in my memory, inspires me to embrace moments of daring while exercising wisdom in my pursuit of truth and equity.
Reflecting on this, I am reminded of my own journey in the legal field ( I guess what you would call my “Roman Empire”). Just as the characters in the film grapple with finding their own voices and questioning conventional norms, I too find myself navigating the complexities of the law. Like the elusive nature of poetry and expression in the movie, the law often defies precise definition, remaining enigmatic and resistant to easy categorisation. Yet, this uncertainty should not deter us; instead, it should inspire us to question the law and fearlessly seek justice.
Deadline Dilemma by Lex Takhar
11:52 Why is this due at 11:55?! Why isn’t it due at 11:59, like every other assignment? Should I just wait for tomorrow? Should I accept the 5% penalty, or should I just submit the work as it stands?
11:53 Why did I go to that party on Friday? I had to miss work just to submit this assignment, and I haven’t even finished it in time. I literally — yes, actually literally — didn't have any time. I had to work and I had to spend the whole week getting ready for class. And I had to go to the party.
11:54 If I hadn’t gone it would have killed my social life. But there was a torts assignment due on Wednesday that I had to finish, so obviously I couldn’t even start this one until Thursday. And I thought I could finish it by Sunday, but it was way harder than the tutor had said. So then I took time off of work — which isn’t actually fair, now that I think about it. Why do I have to sacrifice so much to submit this in time?
11:55 I give up. I submit it as is. With trembling hands, I click the Submit button, my heart pounding in my chest. But as I scroll through the document one last time, dread washes over me like a tidal wave.
11:56 Staring at me, there at the end of the page — Harvard referenced footnotes! The lack of compliance to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th Edition!
11:57 In a panic, I fire off an email to my tutor, silently begging for forgiveness and praying for a miracle. But the reality of my mistake sinks in and the room starts to spin.
11:58 I can almost hear my tutor intoning, in an ice-cold voice, ‘In legal practice, you can’t ask your clients for forgiveness once you give them false advice’
11:59 I gasp for air, feeling panic close in around me. And then, with a final, desperate plea for mercy, I collapse onto the floor. As I drifted away, a realisation comes over me: the LAWS2300 Late Penalty Policy, which states that ‘a 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue…’
Natural Law with Dr Seuss by Anya Maclure
’Twas the sunlight that followed the eve,
That a man lay awake, lost in make-believe.
A big stretch, a wide stretch, a stretched stretch he did,
And picked up his quill with twirly-whirled twid.
Morality weighed down his philosophical mind,
He had something to think about, maybe… mankind?
‘What is law, why is law, who is law, when is law?
Where is law, how is law — could it all be a tragic flaw?’
He wriggled in his chair, adjusting a cushion to sit upright,
He was feeling the flow that thinkers do, even if it was just the slight.
‘From nature — that is the way that you and I think,
We like fairness, and values, and things that interlink.
Political order and legislature and big men mean no matter,
for our morality and rightness can withstand time - it will not splatter.
We understand right and we understand wrong.
Innate as it is, it is also lifelong.
What one can feel is beyond thought — it is right!
And for natural law, quite simply, this is its plight.’
The man looked up, a grin right ’cross his face.
He finally got it, something nifty to embrace.
The Boxer Edition #101 by The Boxer, LLC
The Boxer
Caesar Adsum Jam Forte
Editor's Welcome
In the aftermath of our afterparty for the publication of our 100th issue of 2024, we’ve decided to take a step back from the limelight and return to our humble roots. No more full-colour inserts and other luxuries! We shall return to the way of the humble loose leaf. To compensate any new readers expecting more from their subscription, we’ve published a comprehensive list of the Macquarie University sysadmin usernames and passwords overleaf.
News
Parliament Rejects Bill to Raise Salaries
CANBERRA — Parliament has almost unanimously rejected a bill that would have raised the annual salary of representatives. The ALP, Coalition, Greens and One Nation have released a joint statement, citing ‘widespread economic hardship’ and ‘basic human empathy’ as their reasons for opposing the bill. Sole holdout Bob Katter has introduced a bill which would grant the sum of the prospective salaries to himself, although further motions shall be delayed until ‘people cease to be torn to pieces in North Queensland’.
Sydney University to introduce new ‘Object Permanence’ core unit to LLB
CAMPERDOWN — The University of Sydney has announced their intention to introduce the new ‘Object Permanence’ course to their Bachelor of Laws program in 2025. The Dean of Law has cited ‘significant difficulties’ as his primary justification. The University is currently assessing the benefits of introducing a common ‘Spoon Feeding’ module in 2026.
‘Really White Australia Policy’ To Be Repealed
CANBERRA — Enacted in 1923, the ‘Super Immigration Restriction Act’ has been on the Federal Register for over a century. The Act prohibits playing in mud, being directly exposed to the sun, and the possession of Italians for criminal purposes. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison is currently under investigation for an alleged 1997 breach committed in Engadine.
NSW Government Halts Legislative Changes to Cut Textbook Costs
SYDNEY — A new NSW law has prevented legislative outgrowth to minimise textbook costs. Citing the work of scholar KFB Packer, Premier Chris Minns announced that new bills may only be introduced to the floor once an existing law has been repealed. The law further prohibits individuals named Bill from visiting Parliament House.
‘Rich’ Law Students Outnumber ‘Very Rich’ Law Students for First Time
MACQUARIE PARK — An institutional survey of Macquarie University law students has revealed that ‘rich’ students outnumber ‘very rich’ students for the first time since 1975. The survey relied on findings related to parental income, private school attendance, and Starbucks proficiency. The University has stated that their aim is to introduce ‘middle class’ students to the cohort by 2050.
UTS Law Student Graduates Without Ever Using Words Longer Than Three Letters
ULTIMO — Recent UTS Law Graduate Con Szysley graduated without ever using a word longer than three letters in his assignments and presentations. 'A bit is wit,' Szysley reportedly said, 'and a lot is not'. When asked what his plans were, he stated 'The law is big, but I can do a lot. I’ll go to the Bar and try for SC.' When asked whether acronyms were considered more than three letters long, he hit me.
Classifieds
For Sale. Outdated Textbook. Never Used.
Controlling stock in minor university law student periodical. $20
These segments were originally published under the titles ‘A Brief Review: Dead Poets Society’, ‘Scripted Chaos: Surviving the Law Revue Experience’; ‘Deadline Dilemma’; ‘Dr Seuss on Natural Law’; and ‘Next Time: Ad Aeternitatem’ in The Brief Edition 2, 2024 — Ceci n’est pas une loi.