Monash University Forensic Studies Program

Formerly known as the International Institute of Forensic Studies, the Monash University Forensic Studies Program has been established to promote the education of professionals both within the legal profession and outside it. Its teachings relate to the functioning and processes of courts and tribunals. 

The word "forensic" is used in its broad sense of 'relating to the courts' and 'forensic studies' is intended to encompass the many areas of legal work which may be described as forensic in nature. This extends beyond legal practitioners and includes the many groups that are involved in the forensic process such as professionals who provide expert evidence, police and other investigative agencies who may be involved as witnesses or jurors.

The main activities of the program are:

• The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Studies (Accounting) specifically for accounting professionals;

• Training professionals who give expert evidence in courts; and

• Custom-tailored workshops for corporate and legal entities.

The program is led by Professor the Honourable George Hampel AM QC and supported by the Australian Advocacy Institute.  During his career as a barrister and Justice of the Supreme Court, Professor Hampel developed and delivered training in advocacy and forensic studies.  He has held the positions of Vice President of the Law Council of Australia, Vice Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council, Chairman of the Leo Cussen Institute, member of the Council of Legal Education and Council of Adult Education, and Chairman of the Australian Advocacy Institute. He was the Foundation Member of the Victorian Bar Reader's Course, Former Chairman of the Constitution Commission of Victoria and the Legal Practice Board of Victoria.

Professor Hampel holds appointments at various Universities and continues to teach advocacy at law schools to barristers and solicitors in Australia and overseas. He developed courses for the English Bar, the Scottish Faculty of Advocates and the Singapore Bar. He trains war crime prosecutors in The Hague and Tanzania. Professor Hampel is a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia, AM (citations for development of advocacy training and service to legal institutions) and was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal (for chairing the Constitution Commission).

Further Information on postgraduate courses

**APPLICATIONS FOR 2012 ARE NOW OPEN**