ProfessorPatrick Emerton

Patrick Emerton is a Professor in the Deakin Law School. Patrick's research focuses on political, constitutional and legal theory, with his recent publications focusing particularly on the intersections between public law, private law and economic justice.

Patrick joined Deakin Law School in 2021. Prior to that he was an Associate Professor at Monash University Faculty of Law. He has also taught in the Departments of Philosophy at Monash University and the University of Melbourne.

From July 2022 to July 2024, Patrick was Director of Teaching in the Law School. From May 2023 to February 2026, he served as Deputy Dean of the Law School. In March 2026, he was appointed Dean of the Deakin Law School.

Patrick has taught private law (equity, trusts, and property), public law (constitutional law) and legal theory (general jurisprudence and theoretical sociology of law). He supervises research students across a wide range of legal and interdisciplinary topics: since 2005 has supervised over 30 honours students, and 20 doctoral students (19 completed, 1 current).

Patrick is a frequent media commentator on matters relating to national security, anti-terrorism law, and the exercise of public power in emergencies. He has also worked with community legal organisations and NGOs engaging with these issues.