Abstract
This article, first delivered at The University of Queensland as the Naida Haxton AM Oration 2019, explores some of the components of the rule of law. It starts with building blocks in the common law system, including law reporting for the derivation of precedents. It describes the notable career of Naida Haxton and her approach to law reporting. It then extends to municipal and international law, including that relevant to universal human rights. In that connection, it describes the author’s work as chair of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on North Korea. It explains its successes and disappointments. Finally, it concludes with the importance of building effective protections for peace and security and justice, including addressing existential challenges such as pandemics, global climate change, and the control of nuclear weapons. The author argues that these components of the rule of law are ultimately integrated and essential to the safety and protection of human beings and the biosphere everywhere.