Judge Amul Thapar and Dean Reuter in Conversation

The Constitution, Originalism and Being a Judge

August 2024 (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)

In August 2024, in co-operation with the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies and The Samuel Griffith Society, the Law and Liberty Society of Australia was pleased to co-host a visit to Australia by Hon. Amul R. Thapar, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Dean Reuter, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Federalist Society.

Over the course of close to twenty functions, Judge Thapar and Mr Reuter engaged in a thoughtful discussion of judicial interpretation and the role of judges with audiences ranging from high-school and university students to senior lawyers, judges and parliamentarians. The tour also served as the Australian launch of Judge Thapar’s book: ‘The People's Justice: Clarence Thomas and the Constitutional Stories that Define Him’.

Finally, Judge Thapar and Mr Reuter’s visit marked the official launch of the Sydney Law and Liberty Circle, the Melbourne Law and Liberty Circle and the Brisbane Law and Liberty Circle. To find out more, please visit: lawandliberty.org.au/circles.

Chirs Merritt’s reflections on the visit can be read in his column for The Australian here. Reflections from the Australia India Chamber of Commerce can be read here.

Judge Thapar addressing students, staff and other distinguished guests at St John’s College at the University of Sydney.

Judge Thapar and members of the Law and Liberty Society of Australia with students at events held at the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland during his tour of Australia.

Judge Thapar and Mr Reuter also visited the Rule of Law Institute and Education Centre, the Robert Menzies Institute and the Institute of Public Affairs during their Australian tour. Judge Thapar recorded a number of interviews during these visits, which can be accessed below.