معرفی
Dr Ben Saunders is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University, where he conducts research and teaching in constitutional law, public governance, and law and religion. He is actively engaged in scholarly publication and doctoral supervision.
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland
- Graduate Certificate of Higher Education Learning & Teaching, Deakin University
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Melbourne
Ben Saunders' research centers on constitutional law, particularly responsible government, executive power, and the intersection of religion and the Australian Constitution. His work draws on historical, philosophical, and doctrinal methods to analyze the foundations and evolution of public law. He has a strong interest in natural law theory and its implications for modern governance.
His recent publications (2022–2024) reflect a sustained focus on the Australian Constitution, especially Section 116 (freedom of religion), the role of responsible government as an underenforced norm, and the historical context of constitutional interpretation. The works span journals such as Federal Law Review, Sydney Law Review, and Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, as well as monographs with Hart Publishing and Lexham Press. Themes include religious freedom, constitutional history, executive accountability, and the moral foundations of law.
Scientific Awards:
- Article/Chapter (General) Award, Australian Legal Research Awards, 2023
- Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow, 2018–2019
- Deakin University Vice-Chancellor's Early Career Researcher Award for Career Excellence, 2018
Ben Saunders supervises doctoral candidates in areas including international litigation, tort law, fintech regulation, and cultural heritage. He has been involved in research projects with implications for public sector governance and human rights. His professional experience includes legal advisory roles in the Victorian and Commonwealth governments and as Principal Lawyer at the National Disability Insurance Agency, informing his applied research.
He is affiliated with research networks and has contributed to public discourse through media appearances on constitutional and human rights issues, including podcasts and articles in ABC Religion & Ethics. His scholarly profile is enhanced by an ORCID identifier (0000-0003-2379-4395) and an SSRN presence.
