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Watson, James --- "Letter from the Editor-in-Chief" [2015] NZLawStuJl 2; (2015) 3 NZLSJ v

Last Updated: 19 July 2016

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JAMES WATSON

BA/LLB (HONS), UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

This issue marks the 10th edition of the New Zealand Law Students’ Journal! This is some achievement as, for obvious reasons, continuity is one of the more difficult things for student ventures to achieve.

Since its inception the Journal has served a dual function: it is both a vehicle for law students from around the country to display their best work, and an opportunity for students to contribute to the production of a high quality legal text.

Past editors have likened the production of the Journal to pregnancy: after nine months gestation, each year’s Journal emerges afresh. Perhaps that metaphor is inapposite: the production of the Journal is a much more collaborative and—surely!—less painful process than pregnancy.

Nevertheless, I like the idea of personifying the Journal. And now, as it has reached double-figures, and is edging towards its awkward tweenage years, I think it is appropriate to reflect on the fact that it has taken a village to raise this child. Over the past ten years there have been (approximately): 500 students who have submitted articles for consideration; 250 Student Reviewers; 175 Academic Reviewers; over 150 members of Editorial Teams and 10 esteemed legal personalities to write each year’s foreword.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to this year’s editorial team (in particular to Dino Bohinc and Jordan Grimmer), and to the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law for generously sponsoring this year’s prize for the best submission(s).


Thanks are also due to the many students (another record year) who submitted articles for consideration in this year’s Journal. Alas, we could only select eight articles, but I must say that they are all of the highest calibre. For me, the quality and breadth of subject matter of this year’s final eight (from Post-Modern art to multi-lingual legislation) confirms two things: that law is ubiquitous; and that law is interesting, especially when approached with the imagination and acumen that this year’s authors so clearly display.

Finally, I would like to thank Justice Helen Winkelmann for taking time out of her busy schedule to write this year’s foreword.

Enjoy.

James Watson

Editor-in-Chief
New Zealand Law Students’ Journal 2015