Rate Professor Peter Handford

Professional Summary of Professor Peter Handford

Professor Peter Handford is an esteemed legal scholar and academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), with a distinguished career in law, particularly in the field of tort law. With decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has made significant contributions to legal scholarship in Australia and beyond.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Handford holds advanced qualifications in law, reflecting his deep expertise in the field. While specific details of his degrees and awarding institutions are not fully documented in publicly accessible sources, his long-standing career and professorial status at UWA indicate a robust academic foundation in legal studies.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Handford’s primary areas of specialization include:

• Tort Law: With a focus on negligence, liability, and damages.
• Legal History: Exploring the evolution of legal principles and doctrines.
• Comparative Law: Analyzing legal systems and frameworks across jurisdictions.

His research often addresses complex issues in civil liability and the intersection of law with societal changes, contributing to both academic discourse and practical legal reforms.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Handford has had a notable career at the University of Western Australia, where he has held significant academic and administrative roles. Key appointments include:

• Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Western Australia.
• Executive Director of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) during key reform initiatives.

His tenure at UWA and involvement with the ALRC highlight his leadership in shaping legal education and policy in Australia.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely detailed in public records, Professor Handford’s recognition as an Emeritus Professor at UWA reflects his esteemed status within the academic community and his contributions to legal scholarship.

Key Publications

Professor Handford has authored several influential works in the field of tort law and legal history. Notable publications include:

• Tort Law: Principles and Policy (Year not specified in public sources).
• Mullany and Handford’s Tort Liability for Psychiatric Damage (2nd Edition, 2006) – Co-authored with Nicholas J. Mullany, this book is a seminal work on psychiatric harm in tort law.
• Numerous articles and papers on negligence, damages, and legal reform published in leading law journals (specific titles and years not fully cataloged in accessible sources).

Influence and Impact on the Academic Field

Professor Handford’s work has had a lasting impact on the study and practice of tort law in Australia. His publications, particularly on psychiatric damage, have provided critical insights into evolving legal standards and have been widely referenced by scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. His role at the Australian Law Reform Commission further underscores his influence on national legal frameworks and reforms.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Handford has contributed to the academic and legal community through various roles, including:

• Participation in public lectures and seminars on tort law and legal history (specific events not detailed in public records).
• Significant contributions to law reform through his work with the Australian Law Reform Commission.
• Editorial and advisory roles in legal publications and academic journals (specific positions not fully documented in accessible sources).

His engagement in these areas demonstrates a commitment to advancing legal education and policy beyond the classroom.