Ian Freckelton

Professor Ian Freckelton AO KC is a leading academic and legal expert in health law, medical law, and evidence-based legal practice. He holds concurrent roles as Professor in the University of Melbourne's Law Faculty, Professorial Fellow in Psychiatry, and Co-Director of the Health and Medical Law program. Additionally, he serves as Adjunct Professor at Monash University, La Trobe University, Queensland University of Technology, Auckland University of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University. Freckelton practices as a barrister at Castan Chambers in Melbourne and has served as a judge in Nauru's Supreme Court (2017–2023) and part-time member of nine statutory tribunals. His expertise spans health law, regulatory frameworks, and legal ethics, with significant contributions to medicinal cannabis policy and pandemic governance research.

Education:

• PhD in Expert Evidence (Griffith University)
• LLD (Doctor of Laws) awarded by University of Melbourne (2017)

His research focuses on intersections between law and medicine, including forensic evidence, healthcare ethics, and public health emergencies. Over 700 scholarly articles and 50 books highlight his prolific output, with recent works addressing pandemic law, medicinal cannabis regulation, and coronial practices. Freckelton’s editorial roles include Editor of the Journal of Law and Medicine and Founding Editor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.

Awards & Recognition:

• AO (2021) for distinguished service to law and the legal profession
• Fellowships in multiple national academies
• Outstanding Alumnus (Griffith University)

He has advised on high-profile legal reform initiatives, including Australia’s medicinal cannabis framework and Victoria’s coronial system. His current projects include revising Death Investigation and Coronial Practice and a book on neuropsychiatric disorders and law.