There are global differences in how insects are regulated as food and feed. We compare the regulations of four firsttier developed countries that have a relatively organized regulatory architecture for developing insect regulation and where market potential is large: the EU, United States, Canada and Australia. Our study focuses on (1) the system-level and historical background for differences in regulation and (2) the impacts of the regulatory differences for insect business operators. Legal systems vary in how risks are perceived and how the precautionary principle is applied in practice. There are differences in how fast the regulatory system can respond to new phenomena such as novel food and feed ingredients. Although the cultural tradition of insect use is an important factor explaining the general attitudes towards insects, there are genuine differences in how the ethical issues are argued and perceived. Private regulation and industry standards have a role in complementing mandatory laws, in some countries more so than in others. Regulation impacts product development strategies of marketers: the pay-back time for R&D investment depends partly on the regulatory requirements and on how fast a product can access the market. The article aims to explore if the insect business would benefit from clear, harmonised and predictable rules by comparing the regulation of insect food and feed in the abovementioned jurisdictions. It examines whether global harmonisation of rules would make international marketing strategies easier or whether tailor-made rules and protectionist practices could be the preferred option, so as to assist local marketers.

This article serves as a portal into the critical themes and discussions that unfolded during the conference. It delves into the intricacies of innovative food law, policy, and diplomacy approaches, offering insights into their relevance amidst contemporary challenges. It reveals how conflicts weaponise food through nuanced exploration, illustrating the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard food security and sovereignty. Moreover, the article catalyses transformative change, interrogating food policies’ historical roots and contemporary manifestations. By advocating for policies prioritising equity, sustainability, and social justice, it aims to galvanise collective action and drive positive change at all levels of society.

Intermediaries are crucial in bridging the communication gap between vulnerable individuals and the complexities of the criminal justice process. They advise legal professionals on effective communication and how to adapt questioning techniques and advocate for necessary adjustments to ensure meaningful participation and uphold fundamental human rights. While most Australian jurisdictions have adopted an intermediary scheme, variations in legislative scope, policy and practice exist. This article analyses these diverse schemes through a human rights lens, drawing upon research and existing evaluations of intermediary schemes to highlight the positive impact of intermediaries on communication and evidence quality. Inconsistencies across the jurisdictions regarding eligibility criteria, procedural accommodations and access raise concerns about equitable access to justice and compliance with international and domestic human rights obligations. Given this fragmented landscape, the article examines the effectiveness of these intermediary schemes across all vulnerable participants—including children and adults with cognitive or communication disabilities—and advocates for a nationally harmonised framework. Such a framework would ensure consistent standards, training and access, in turn, promoting fairness, efficiency and alignment with international best practices, as well as enhancing procedural justice for vulnerable adults. Moreover, the article submits that a national scheme would yield economic benefits, justifying government investment.

This paper examines the epistolary self-portrait the Venetian nun Arcangela Tarabotti constructs in Lettere familiari e di complimento (1650). It reviews the historical context for published letter collections, early modern Italian women and contemporary convent culture of Venice. It argues that Tarabotti uses the inherent variety and miscellaneousness of the letter collection format for a range of purposes including: to illustrate her membership of intellectual, literary, and familial communities in spite of her claustration; to demonstrate her native wit in the humanist tradition of the literati; to showcase her versatility as a writer; to model her control of social and rhetorical decorum; and thus to rebut her critics.