Francine V McNiff Chair in Criminology
Overview
The University of Melbourne established the Francine V McNiff Chair in Criminology – a first for the institution – as part of a significant gift in will of $4 million by former staff member and Magistrate, Ms Francine McNiff.
The Chair stands at the forefront of teaching and research in criminal justice and human rights law.
Professor Alison Young was appointed in the role and said the appointment would enable her to expand the teaching of criminology and foster increased engagement with academics internationally and with the criminal justice profession.
Professor Young contributes to public discussions about issues around graffiti and street art, which challenge the regulation of public space in property law and criminal law, and tend to be ‘hyper-criminalised’ as a result.
Ms Francine McNiff passed away in April 2015. She had a high profile career in the Law as the first female Judicial Officer in Victoria. A published author, she retired from her position as a Children’s Court Magistrate in 1987.