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Issue 0, Volume 19 The De Minimis Team In response to the Media Bargaining Code enacted by the Morrison Government, Facebook has this morning restricted the publication of all news stories on its site. The Facebook pages of major news services in Australia (as well as, apparently accidentally, several state government departments) are bare of posted content as of this morning. The move came with little warning.
The Media Bargaining Code sees websites such as Google and Facebook forced to pay media companies for content which is hosted or shared. It met with strong pushback from Big Tech, with Google threatening to withdraw services from Australia entirely. However, in recent weeks, Google has inked deals worth tens of millions of dollars with various media interests, and is expected to operate in Australia as normal. The deal with Nine Entertainment alone is reportedly worth $30 million. Facebook has evidently taken a more muscular approach, and it is unclear when, if ever, news will be allowed to be shared freely on the platform. Facebook users logging in on Thursday morning were greeted with the following statement: “In response to Australian government legislation, Facebook restricts the posting of news links and all posts from news Pages in Australia. Globally, the posting and sharing of news links from Australian publications is restricted.” Issue 0. Volume 19
A bright-eyed group of LMR students have been left feeling awkward this week, as it became apparent that their LSS-appointed pathfinders had been engaging in some ‘extracurricular activities’. Third-year JD students Jim Yang (23) and Ally Binsley (24) had been tasked with helping the incoming cohort of MLS students get to know the Law School, but apparently got to know each other pretty well along the way. “It started on day one, I reckon,” said a member of the pair’s Pathfinder group, on condition of anonymity. “They arrived to every event together, five minutes late and looking rumpled.” “It’s been really nice of Ally and Jim to show us around this week,” said Billie Jims (21). “I reckon I’ll enjoy law school, if it’s half as much fun as these two are having.” Issue 0, Volume 19  Hello friends! Welcome to the hallowed halls of Melbourne Law School. May you find the perfect balance between academic challenges and social comforts inside its relatively new, purpose built walls. For all you first years, allow me to introduce you to De Minimis, the official unofficial media outlet of MLS. The Managing Editor (that’s me) and the Publications Team release articles written by you fine young students in weekly (covid-safe) print and online editions for the enjoyment of all. Alongside the paper, De Minimis also runs a podcast on our website, deminimis.com.au, that covers a whole range of law-related topics. First up, our trusty Podcast Editor has secured interviews with Ian Malkin, Will Partlett, and another to-be-confirmed MLS legend to talk you through Torts, Principles of Public Law, and Obligations, respectively. All of us are watched and guided by our Editor in Chief, who will make his address in the coming edition. Our goal is to give all students a platform to share ideas and talk about issues that matter to them. You can send us anything you like (email below), be it an analysis of the latest High Court ruling, a report on an MLS networking night you heard about in the corridors, or an opinion piece about the quality of the tap water on the mezzanine floor. Issue 0, Volume 19 The following is an extract from Vol.II. No.7 of “De Minimis...Fortnightly News Sheet of the Law Students Society of Victoria” on the football inter-faculty matches at Melbourne University in July 1949. Reports of this nature were a regular part of De Minimis for the many decades of its initial conception.  Print published in The Australasian sketcher., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Football
Law Reaches Semi-Finals After two brilliant victories, (and, of course, the memorable Farrago match) Law are playing at top form and are combining well to achieve meritorious results. Issue 0, Volume 19 The first extract is from a 1963-4 edition and the second from 1968. They exemplify De Minimis’ transition towards light-heartedness and Mean Girl-esque gossip. Hard news was old news and satire was on trend. RUMORS TO BE QUASHED
~ that someone was found working in the Law Library last week. We have been told that this will not be allowed to happen again. Indeed if necessary, workmen will be brought in, fans left running, books thrown all over the desks and lights broken to prevent any further such outbursts. ~ Dr. Brett says De Minimis does not always misquote him - but only sometimes when its facts are not correct does he think so when in fact the facts are correct but may later be proved to be wrong although this cannot be started dogmatically unless this statement itself is reported incorrectly or unless it is read correctly although not in fact correct. Anyone who can follow this advanced process of reasoning, would be welcome to work as an associate of Dixon C. J. ~ Marcia Forsters IQ is not 17. Recent tests established that it is well into the twenties. ~ Mr. [__]althams hobby is learning Latin phrases by rote. Issue 0, Volume 19
Here we see another news-style report in a 1968 edition of De Minimis. Considering the class of 2018 will be having their Valedictory dinner in the very near future (covid restrictions pending) we thought we’d share some...insights into the Valedictory of 1968. VALEDICTORY DINNER 1968 This dinner was undoubtedly the best function run by the L.S.S. during the year - 168 professors, lecturers, judges and other assorted student dregs were unanimous in praise of the speeches, food and spiritus fluids (red, white and amber plonk). Special thanks must go to Brian Slattery, Ed Larkin, Ian McEachern and John Clements for efficient organisation of the occasion. The food was followed by a short break during which everyone socked down a few beers in the usual way. … Finally we have a piece from 2013, just two years into the revival of the Law School’s newspaper.
The People vs Apathy I seem to have been a little hard on the Law School lately. In the pages of De Minimis this year I’ve poked fun at its bragging about global ranking, its ridiculous parking and loud typing students among other trivialities. All true of course, but a little harsh nonetheless. Complaining is something we might rely too much on as a crutch when we see a problem. Identifying an issue is by all means a useful exercise (and an easy way of writing a weekly 300 word column), but if nothing productive is actually accomplished from it, it’s pretty pointless. I think in a sense we often forget how much easier it is to throw rocks from the sidelines than to actually make a contribution. So I thought it might be a good time to point out something nice about my dear old alma mater. |
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