Associate ProfessorJane Kotzmann

Jane Kotzmann is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School whose research examines how law and governance systems conceptualise and regulate relationships between humans, animals and the environment. Her work focuses particularly on animal law, animal welfare, legal recognition of animal sentience, and the relationship between animal and human interests within legal and governance frameworks. Drawing on human rights theory and broader theories of vulnerability, inclusion and legal recognition, her research explores the human-centred assumptions embedded within law and considers how legal frameworks might better respond to the interests and intrinsic worth of non-human animals.

Jane’s current research also examines the role of law and governance in addressing interconnected One Health challenges, including the relationship between animal welfare, human health and environmental wellbeing. Her research engages with questions of how legal and institutional systems can respond to shared risks and vulnerabilities across human, animal and environmental domains, including through comparative and international research.

She teaches in the areas of animal law, human rights law, international law and administrative law. Before entering academia, Jane practised as a lawyer in commercial litigation. She is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School and was previously an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

Jane holds degrees in Commerce, Law (with Honours), and a PhD in human rights law from Deakin University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Teach for Australia) from the University of Melbourne.