An international comparative analysis of transfers inter vivos and mortis causa

Overview

This VRES project involves an international comparative analysis of the laws relating to transfers which take effect during a person’s lifetime (transfers inter vivos) and transfers taking effect on death (transfers mortis causa). It will inform a contribution to a new Elgar Encyclopedia of Private Law: Law of Succession (editors:Juan Pablo Murga Fernandez, Gregor Christandl, Ronald J Scalise and Prue Vines) which Professor Tina Cockburn and Professor Kelly Purser have been invited to contribute to.  The authors of all entries in the encyclopedia are major globally recognised succession law researchers, which will create a strong, diverse and authoritative contributor base. Subject to satisfactory project outcomes, the VRES student will be named as a research assistant in the encyclopedia entry.

Research engagement

You will engage with the international literature and undertake doctrinal research critically analysing relevant laws.

Research activities

Key tasks include:

• Literature review relating to transfers inter vivos and mortis causa;
• Review and mapping of select international comparative legal and regulatory frameworks (including seminal cases) relating to select aspects of transfers inter vivos and mortis causa; and
• concise authoritative and factual review of the accumulated law and regulation relating to select aspects of transfers inter vivos and mortis causa in select international jurisdictions.

Research skills

You will be able to further develop higher level research and critical analysis skills by undertaking the above activities including reviewing the literature and mapping relevant law.

Outcomes

Outcomes may include:

• a report (approx. 3000 words with 500-word executive summary) comprising of the:
  • literature review;
  • summary of current knowledge of select aspects of the law relating to transfers inter vivos and mortis causa; 
  • identification of important gaps, law reform proposals and new directions of research; and

• a short presentation at the conclusion of the project.

Skills and experience

Law students in later years of study, who have completed contract law, property law, equity and trusts, and succession law units.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

18 January, 2027

Location

Gardens Point

Keywords

• Transfers during life
• Transfers on death
• Comparative law
• Succession
• Equity and trusts

Contact

Professor Tina Cockburn

(07)  3138 2003

t.cockburn@qut.edu.au