Faculty of the Professions, Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion

The Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion (RUSSLR) is a significant strategic initiative for the University of Adelaide and the nation. RUSSLR is the first centre or institute in Australia to study the relationship between society, law and religion – putting it at the leading edge in Australia of what is already a major research area worldwide.

The interchange of peoples, laws and religions in the global context forces us to recognise the relationships we share with our neighbours. RUSSLR’s principal research aims include:

• the role of religion in both creating and solving current social and moral challenges, such as climate change;
• the protection of human rights, including freedom of religion and privacy;
• religious fundamentalism and terrorism;
• the role of religion in education;
• moral and ethical dimensions surrounding beginning and end of life issues; and
• citizenship and migration.

RUSSLR focuses on both the theological background to the world’s various religions and religious systems themselves. It aims to study the relationship between law and religion where:

• law acts as an arbiter between religion and society/state
• religion has some influence or potential influence upon law, such as in the case of moral goals and imperatives;
• religions have their own legal systems, such as Judaism, Islam and Hinduism;
• secular law applies to modern society.
• All of this is directed at understanding the place and role of religion and law in contemporary Australian society.

Conference Anouncement
Religious and Cultural Freedom under a Bill of Rights  
Canberra, 13-15 August 2009

The University of Adelaide Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion
(“RUSSLR”) will hold a conference on 13, 14 and 15 August 2009 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.  The topic of the conference is “Religious and Cultural Freedom under a Bill Of Rights”, relevant to the current debate in Australia on a Bill or Charter of Rights, with particular attention being given to the preservation of freedoms of religious and cultural expression under any such Bill or Charter.  RUSSLR is seeking participation in this event from interested academics, judges, professionals, politicians, universities, individuals and community organisations.

For more information and to register please visit the conference website.