The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE) and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Law (SOL) recently hosted a lecture by Justice John Carey, PNGCJE Judge Administrator and Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of PNG, who addressed law students and members of the legal fraternity on the theme “Mastering Legal Knowledge – Focus on developing depth, coherence, and practical command of legal principles in both study and professional practice.”

Justice Carey shared his personal journey from mechanical engineering into law, recounting the challenges of his early years at the University of Liverpool and the resilience required to succeed. He emphasized that “law is not for the intellectually deficient” and urged students never to quit in the face of difficulty.

Drawing from courtroom experiences, Justice Carey illustrated how legal mastery goes beyond memorizing statutes and case law. He stressed the importance of recognizing opportunities in litigation, preparing thoroughly, and advancing creative arguments supported by binding precedents. He also warned of the dangers of outdated research tools and highlighted the need for access to current case law and digital resources.

Justice Carey addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in law, referencing a recent case in Papua New Guinea involving AI-generated fake authorities. He reminded students and practitioners of their ethical duty to be truthful to the court, noting that while technology can assist, it cannot replace professional integrity and mastery of legal knowledge.

The lecture also underscored practical strategies for success:

· Building confidence through competence and ethics.

· Writing in clear English, the language of the courts.

· Networking with practitioners and judiciary members to strengthen professional development.

· Applying structured problem-solving approaches to client matters.

The event concluded with a strong message: mastering legal knowledge is a lifelong commitment requiring resilience, ethical grounding, and a passion for service to uphold democracy and the rule of law in Papua New Guinea.