Sydney Law School Open Day - 30 April 2009

On Thursday 30 April 2009, the Sydney Law School welcomed the public to the new Law School building on the beautiful Camperdown campus.

The Open Day was very well received, with over 1,600 people enjoying various dialogue and debate sessions, exhibitions and displays, entertainment and activities.

Among the sessions held on the day was a climate change debate moderated by Adam Spencer, followed by a full program of activities showcasing the world class Moot Court and Dispute Resolution Complex that is a key feature of the new building.

Other sessions included a hypothetical on issues of law and genetics, a panel debate on the morality of law and development in developing nations, a talkback session on the death penalty in Asia and a seminar exploring the excesses of corporate executives.

Exhibitions presented on the day included a poignant multimedia and art display presented in conjunction with Boomgate Gallery (Long Bay Correctional Complex) which drew attention to rising prison populations and the plight of the incarcerated, and a documentary on the battle for stolen wages faced by Indigenous worker in the Northern Territory. A photographic display on the building design by architects fjmt and an exhibition profiling prominent alumni who have followed diverse career paths also formed part of the day, and are still on display in the foyer areas on Level 1 of the building.

Those who braved the cold outdoors were treated to a Theatresports® demonstration, a live performance by Sydney University Band Comp 2007 winners Cloud Control, and speakers’ corner soapbox sessions throughout the day.

For details of the various sessions and activities, please click here.

A selection of photographs are now available for viewing at Open Day Photos

In the evening, the Governor General Quentin Bryce AC and the Attorney-General The Hon Robert McClelland officially launched the building at a reception for more than 400 alumni and supporters of the Law School. The Hon Chief Justice James Spigelman gave the official address; and guests were also addressed by the NSW Governor and University of Sydney Chancellor, Her Excellency Marie Bashir; Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Gillian Triggs; and Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence.

We look forward to continuing to welcome students, the legal profession and members of the public to our stunning new building. For details of upcoming events, please visit our online events calendar.


For further information, please email