Professional Summary for Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake
Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on human rights, disability rights, and legal capacity. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing the rights of marginalized populations through rigorous research and advocacy.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Arstein-Kerslake holds advanced degrees in law and related fields, reflecting her deep expertise in human rights and disability law:
- PhD in Law, National University of Ireland, Galway
- JD (Juris Doctor), City University of New York School of Law, USA
- BA, Boston University, USA
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Her research primarily focuses on:
- Disability human rights and legal capacity
- Gender equality and intersectionality
- Supported decision-making frameworks
- International human rights law, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Career History and Appointments
Professor Arstein-Kerslake has held several prestigious academic and research positions:
- Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Law School (current)
- Academic Coordinator, Disability Human Rights Clinic, University of Melbourne
- Former Lecturer and Researcher, National University of Ireland, Galway
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Her contributions to the field have been recognized through various accolades:
- Recipient of the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
- Funding and grants from international bodies for disability rights research
Key Publications
Professor Arstein-Kerslake has authored and co-authored numerous impactful works, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and reports:
- Restoring Voice to People with Cognitive Disabilities: Realizing the Right to Equal Recognition Before the Law (Cambridge University Press, 2017)
- Co-editor, Disability Human Rights Law (MDPI, 2018)
- 'Legal Capacity and Supported Decision-Making: Respecting Rights and Empowering People' (various journal articles and book chapters)
- Multiple publications on the implementation of the UN CRPD in international journals
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Arstein-Kerslake’s work has had a profound impact on the field of disability rights and human rights law. She has been instrumental in shaping discourse around legal capacity and supported decision-making, influencing policy and legal frameworks globally. Her research supports the implementation of the UN CRPD, providing practical and theoretical contributions to ensure equal recognition before the law for persons with disabilities. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges law, policy, and advocacy, making her a leading voice in the field.
Public Lectures, Roles in Committees, and Editorial Contributions
She is actively involved in academic and public spheres through:
- Regular presentations and keynote speeches at international conferences on disability rights and human rights law
- Contributions to policy development through consultations with governments and NGOs
- Editorial and advisory roles in academic journals and projects related to disability law