Jodhi Rutherford

Jodhi Rutherford is a Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology's School of Law within the Faculty of Business & Law, specializing in end-of-life legislation and voluntary assisted dying frameworks in Australia. Their work forms part of QUT's renowned health law research group, collaborating closely with Professors Lindy Willmott and Ben White, who were featured in May 2024 as pioneers in Australia's end-of-life law reform.

Rutherford's research focuses on the practical implementation of voluntary assisted dying legislation, examining physician perspectives, ethical dimensions, and legal compliance challenges. Their work bridges legal theory and medical practice, addressing critical questions about how physicians navigate complex end-of-life decisions within evolving legal frameworks. Recent publications analyze physician experiences, knowledge gaps, and the ethical considerations surrounding participation in assisted dying programs.

Their research demonstrates consistent thematic development from examining the foundational role of the medical profession in Victorian law reform (2018) through to contemporary analyses of physician experiences (2023). This trajectory shows increasing sophistication in understanding the practical, ethical, and psychological dimensions of implementing assisted dying legislation in clinical settings.

Rutherford's contributions to health law scholarship have appeared in prominent journals including the Journal of Medical Ethics, BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, and the Journal of Law and Medicine, establishing them as a significant voice in Australia's evolving end-of-life care landscape.