Hosted by the UNSW Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law
This hybrid seminar will be held in the Boardroom, Level 2, UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice and online via Teams.
Democratic politics worldwide is becoming increasingly polarised. In this seminar, Professor Iddo Porat presents the findings of his new book providing the first comprehensive comparative study of how political polarization reshapes the role and functioning of supreme and constitutional courts. Drawing on case studies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Israel, Germany, Spain, and other jurisdictions, the book examines how courts are transformed when deep political and social divisions meet powerful judicial institutions. The book identifies the factors that drive courts toward partisanship, the mechanisms through which polarization alters judicial nominations, decision-making and public trust, and the broader implications for the rule of law and democratic stability. It also analyses reform proposals aimed at reducing the political stakes surrounding courts or balancing their internal composition.
The seminar will be chaired by Centre members Professor Rosalind Dixon with additional comments from Dr Daniel Bogea.
Date: 1-2pm Thursday 15 October 2026
Where: UNSW Law Boardroom and online via Teams