Rate My Professor Sarah Howe

Sarah Howe is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law and Criminology at Murdoch University. She teaches and coordinates core first-year law units, including Torts, developing and delivering all lectures for large cohorts. In her teaching, she analyzes key parts of case examples, models techniques for reading case law, and guides students in making effective case notes. Howe emphasizes helping students master not only legal content but also how to navigate its complexities and recognize ongoing changes in the law. She actively supports student mental wellbeing, encouraging them to manage it throughout their studies and careers. Promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2022, she received a 2022 Commendation for Excellence in Enhancing Student Learning for her approach that influences, motivates, and inspires first-year law students.

Howe serves as Deputy Chair and Acting Chair of Murdoch University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HERC), providing legal representation and oversight. She leads the Student Learning Engagement Assessment Item (SLEAI) initiative, a low-stakes, scaffolded assessment designed to boost student engagement and critical thinking. Additionally, she pilots ethics and critical thinking programs with the Constable Care Foundation for Year 5 students. Her research interests include Tort law, Administrative law, Public law, Government anti-corruption bodies and integrity bodies, and Human research ethics. Key publications comprise 'The Carrot and Stick Approach: Promoting Student Engagement in Tort Law' (Western Australian Law Teachers' Review, 2025), 'The Hydra Beast of Western Australian Local Government and the Misconduct Risks Faced' (Local Government Law Journal, 2012), and the book chapter 'Strengthening Trust: Australia's Anti-Corruption Bodies'. She has presented on 'Using AI – Is it A-okay? Or definitely nay?: Guidance on using Artificial Intelligence in an ethical way in legal research and writing' and jurisdictional error in Australian administrative law. Howe contributed to the LexisNexis Study Guide: Torts, 4th Edition.