Dr. Desmond Manderson

Biography

Desmond Manderson is jointly appointed to the ANU Colleges of Law, Arts & Social Sciences at the Australian National University. He serves as the Director of the Network for Law, Arts, and Humanities, where he designs innovative interdisciplinary courses integrating English, philosophy, art theory, history, and political theory. Manderson’s work has produced essays, books, and lectures across various fields, including English literature, philosophy, ethics, history, cultural studies, music, human geography, anthropology, and legal theory. He articulates a vision of law's connection to humanist disciplines, emphasizing critical functioning, justice, and social relevance. His notable works include 'Mr Sin Mr Big' (1993), 'Songs Music' (2000), and 'Kangaroo Courts Rule Law' (2012). Recently, he has explored the intersection of law and visual arts, exemplified by 'Danse Macabre: Temporalities Law Visual Arts' (2019). His latest play, 'Twenty Minutes Devil', a black comedy thriller, premiered at the Street Theatre in 2022. Manderson's research focuses on the interdisciplinary studies of law and humanities, examining authority, legitimacy, justice, and ethics, while expanding the field’s objects of study to include music, art, and popular culture.

Research Interests