History made with 115th Rhodes Scholar-Elect

A top law student is the University of Adelaide’s 115th Rhodes Scholar-Elect, announced at a ceremony at Government House.

Madeleine McNeil was the Valedictorian of her class at the University of Adelaide, graduating with First Class Honours in the Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj AC congratulated Ms McNeil on her achievements.

“On behalf of the University community, I extend my congratulations to Madeleine, who is continuing a proud tradition of University of Adelaide Rhodes Scholars,” he said.

“Madeleine has already achieved a remarkable amount in her career through her hard work and dedication, and has immersed herself in University life.

“These achievements highlight the nurturing and challenging focus we provide our students while supporting them to achieve their academic dreams.

“I am confident Madeleine’s time as a Rhodes Scholar will be just as successful and I have no doubt she will go on to make a significant impact in her chosen field.”

Ms McNeil will now undertake a Bachelor of Civil Laws during her time as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.

“I’m going to focus on delineating a methodologically coherent approach for applying human rights law during international tribunals adjudication of criminal responsibility,” said Ms McNeil.

“I will use this research to contribute to the administration of post-conflict justice, with a particular focus on the pressing need to end impunity for Russia’s atrocities in the 21st century.”

Ms McNeil has been an active contributor to University life and has been extensively involved in simulated court proceedings (mooting) at university and high school debating both as a competitor and now as a coach.

She was named champion of the 21st Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot in Hong Kong last year with her partner Annalise Delic, and has served as volunteer for seven years on the South Australian Debating Association and the Australian Debating Federation.

“I am honoured and grateful for this opportunity,” Ms McNeil said.

“The process was incredibly rewarding as you get perspective on your aims, and I was very lucky to go through it with five other strong, inspirational women.

“While we all had a different focus, each of the candidates’ attitudes and ideas were infectious.

“It is an amazing opportunity to be able to study at Oxford and take this pathway to further my career.”

Ms McNeil will head to Oxford next October.