Abstract

This subject is a capstone subject in the Bachelor of Laws. It addresses the governance of communities from the context of local government and the particular legal issues relevant to regional, rural and remote Australia, especially to Indigenous communities. It covers areas such as local government powers and responsibilities, alternative … For more content click the Read More button below.

Syllabus

Local government law in AustraliaThe concept of a Council as a corporate entity, its charter and powerCommunity issues: domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, other forms of crime, poverty and divorceRegional, rural and remote legal needAccess to legal servicesIndigenous law and cultureIndigenous social justiceIndigenous legal servicesWomen and justice in regional, … For more content click the Read More button below.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
1.
be able to evaluate the role of the law in dealing with issues at the local government level;
2.
be able to discuss critically the roles and responsibilities of local governments in regional, rural and remote Australia, together with their delegated legislation and other statutory powers;
3.
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the community issues that arise regularly in a regional, rural or remote legal practice, for example, domestic violence and agricultural-based crime;
4.
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the sources of community law within common law and statute, and apply that to hypothetical or real-world contextual issues;
5.
be able to address critically the issues relating to legal need and access in regional, rural and remote Australia;
6.
be able to demonstrate the ability to present a persuasive argument and/or to give advice based on leading precedents relating to community law;
7.
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the nature of entrenched social problems evident in some regional, rural and remote communities, and the limitations of the laws ability for addressing these contemporary social issues;
8.
be able to discuss critically the role of Indigenous law and culture and its relationship to the policy and legislation of the three tiers of government;
9.
be able to reflect on issues of Indigenous social justice, Indigenous dispute resolution, women and the legal system, and access to justice for those living in regional, rural and remote Australia; and
10.
be able to reflect critically on the role of the lawyer in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminal Justice students only

Learning activities

LAW314