US judge talks about detainees

25 August 2004

A senior US judge will deliver his views about America's legal position on detainees in a lecture co-hosted by Monash Law School and the Australian Institute of Judicial Administration.

Judge Diarmid O'Scannlain of the US Court of Appeals will deliver a lecture at the Melbourne County Court on Monday, and answer media questions following the address.

The senior judge on the Circuit Court of Appeals, who is also a long-time observer of the US Supreme Court and judiciary, will provide an insider's perspective on the recent US Supreme Court ruling on detainees and the military commissions established by the US Government to try people described as "unlawful enemy combatants".

His comments will coincide with the trial of Australian David Hicks who has been held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as an unlawful enemy combatant for almost three years.

Judge O'Scannlain's Australian visit is sponsored by the US State Department.

When: Monday 30 August, 6.00 pm.
Where: Ceremonial Court, Level 3, County Court, corner William and Lonsdale Streets.
RSVP: Essential due to security restrictions. Phone + 61 3 9905 2630 or email Jodi.rockman@law.monash.edu.au

For media queries, contact Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, Monash University, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.