On 8-9 August 2015, I participated in a workshop on the ‘Constitutional Writs and Human Rights’ in Yangon, Myanmar. The workshop was organised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Public Legal Aid Network (PLAN) Myanmar. The workshop was attended by a wide range of participants from across Myanmar, many of whomContinue reading “Constitutional Writs and Human Rights Workshop”
Author Archives: Melissa Crouch
Law and Conflict in Myanmar
Legal and constitutional reform often occurs at moments of political conflict, crisis and change. This is the case in Myanmar today.The general assumption is that law has not played a significant role in Myanmar in the past, but that in the post-2011 transition from military to semi-civilian rule, law can and will take on a more importantContinue reading “Law and Conflict in Myanmar”
Asian Law and Policy Forum
On 6 August at 1 -2 PM Professor Colin Picker and I will hold an meeting in the staff common room to discuss the idea of creating a regular forum on Asian Law and Policy. Please join us if you are currently doing research (or are interested in doing such research in the future) in relationContinue reading “Asian Law and Policy Forum”
Australia Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Workshops
Myanmar is currently at a pivotal moment in its political and legal history. The Australia-Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Project (AMCDP), a consortium of law schools devoted to generating understanding and support for constitutional democracy in Myanmar, have just returned from a series of two workshops. The workshops commenced in Mandalay for two days from 13-14 July, followed by aContinue reading “Australia Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Workshops”
Special Issue on Religion in Myanmar
The Review of Faith and International Affairs will soon publish a special issue on religion in Myanmar. The volume includes contributions on a range of topics by several Burma Studies scholars. My own contribution is on the ‘The Construction of Religion by Law in Myanmar‘. The abstract is as follows: This article provides an overview of theContinue reading “Special Issue on Religion in Myanmar”
Book review: Opposing the Rule of Law
Every now and then, a book comes along that offers a fresh take on a topic that has become commonplace. The rule of law is a ubiquitous theme running through the law and development landscape and the way we think about law reform in this era. The empire that has become the rule of lawContinue reading “Book review: Opposing the Rule of Law”
Electives on Southeast Asia at UNSW Law
Next year I will be offering two new electives at UNSW Law Faculty. The idea for electives came out of a survey I conducted of law students in the faculty, via the Law Student Society. Out of 52 respondents, 95% said they agreed that there should be more subjects on Asian law offered in the curriculum.Continue reading “Electives on Southeast Asia at UNSW Law”
Why Myanmar needs constitutional review
Last week there was debate in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, or Union Parliament, over the future of the Constitutional Tribunal, one of the new institutions established under the 2008 constitution. In discussions over proposed constitutional amendments, it was suggested that the Constitutional Tribunal should be abolished. This proposal has been made with reference to claims thatContinue reading “Why Myanmar needs constitutional review”
UNSW Law – Myanmar events
UNSW is contributing to a number of events happening in Myanmar in July together with partners in Myanmar. On 9-10th July, Professor Brendan Edgeworth and myself will teach at the Law Department at Mandalay University, as part of the MOU between UNSW Law and Mandalay University. My talk with focus on academic research skills and method inContinue reading “UNSW Law – Myanmar events”
Myanmar elections lack legitimacy without constitutional change
Constitutional reform is an important part of Myanmar’s transition from military rule. Although widespread political reforms have been enacted since 2011, these have not yet been accompanied by constitutional change. The next few months will determine whether constitutional amendment will take place before the elections scheduled in November. This will affect the very legitimacy ofContinue reading “Myanmar elections lack legitimacy without constitutional change”
Melissa Crouch 