Born in Hope

The Family Law Act of 1975 and the establishment of the Family Court of Australia in the following year aimed to revolutionize the settlement of marital disputes. But the court quickly became the focus of hostility, and many saw it as a failed experiment. Drawing on interviews with judges, lawyers, and counselors, this book challenges that notion and captures the complexity of the early years as the Family Court grappled with increasing media criticism and acts of violence never before seen in the Australian legal system. This intriguing oral history provides a deeper understanding of the legal institution that arguably impacts a larger proportion of Australians than any other.