David J. Carter

David J. Carter is a Scientia Associate Professor in the School of Law, Society and Criminology within the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). As an Australian lawyer and expert in medical and health law, he applies legal expertise to understand law as a factor in the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease and injury while advancing fair treatment for those living with communicable diseases.

His educational background includes professional experience as an executive in the Australian health sector where he developed and led private hospitals and rural and remote primary care services before transitioning to academia.

Carter's research focuses on socio-legal issues at the intersection of criminal law, public health law, and healthcare delivery. His work examines legal barriers to healthcare access, patient safety, and the treatment of people living with blood-borne viruses. He leads the Health+Law Research Partnership which aims to improve access to justice and quality of life for those living with Hepatitis B or HIV in Australia. His research often takes a cross-disciplinary approach examining how legal frameworks impact health outcomes and equity.

Carter's publications span medical and health law, criminal law, and socio-legal research with particular emphasis on the intersection of law and public health. His work addresses critical issues including healthcare access for vulnerable populations, legal frameworks for disease prevention, and the balance between individual rights and public health imperatives.

He currently serves as a board member of the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre and is Chair of the Ramsay Health Care Human Research Ethics Committee A, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical legal and healthcare improvements.

As an educator, Carter teaches primarily in criminal law and procedure alongside topics in medical and health law, bringing his practical health sector experience to the classroom. His supervision focuses on critical issues at the intersection of law, health, and social justice including healthcare rationing, migrant health access, and aged care regulation.

His research team and partnerships include collaborations with community organizations, health services, and peak bodies in both the health and legal sectors, creating a bridge between academic research and real-world application.