Circumcision in Australia : reforming the law

The thesis considers the application of Australian law to male circumcision and recommends law reform to improve its regulation. There are no specific laws that regulate the practice in Australia. Very few clear answers present themselves when the general law is applied to circumcision. The law suffers from inaccessibility, uncertainty, jurisdictional inconsistency, and problems with enforceability in its application to circumcision. It is also unable to respond in a timely and effective manner to problematic developments, and has not significantly assisted in fostering improved health and ethical standards for circumcisers. The thesis discusses the application of criminal law, family law, private law and human rights to the practice of circumcision. It also discusses the legislation in foreign jurisdictions which specifically addresses male circumcision. The thesis adopts the analytical perspective of an implementation minded law reformer. This perspective is used to inform the critical analysis of the law and the law reform recommendations proposed. The perspective is pluralistic and concerned with formulating reforms that are designed for ready implementation. The thesis recommends the enactment of a federal Circumcision Act, or mirror State and Territory Circumcision Acts. This legislation should establish a circumcision regulatory, monitoring and licensing body within the jurisdiction it operates in. The Act (or Acts) recommended distinguish between circumcision performed with patient consent, and circumcision performed upon incapable minors with parental consent. The thesis recommends, subject to specific exemptions, the prohibition of circumcision performed on incapable minors. The thesis also details law reform to improve the health and ethical standards of circumcisers in Australia.