Through seminar discussion, case studies and project work, the course will examine theories and processes of achieving law reform, with particular attention to different conceptions of ‘law’ and ‘reform’, the many available mechanisms for law reform, and the lawyer’s role in law reform activity.
Topics covered in the course may include:
• theories of law and law reform;
• law reform through institutions: parliament, the bureaucracy, commissions and courts;
• law reform through community action;
• the role of the news and social media; and
• lawyers’ professional identity and ethics
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- On completing this course, you will be able to:
- - discuss and critically debate the nature and functions of law in society
- - analyse and critique the idea of law reform
- - describe, explain, and evaluate the institutions and processes which make and reform law
- - design, plan and execute a substantial written project that describes and justifies a strategy to achieve a law reform outcome
- - work productively in groups of peers
- - engage in rigorous and respectful discussion and debate with the teacher and peers.
Other Information
Classes may be offered in non-standard sessions and be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (a minimum of 36 hours). Please refer to the LLB timetable for dates. Please contact the ANU College of Law Student Administration Services to request a permission code to enrol in classes offered in non-standard sessions.
Indicative Assessment
- Class participation — 20% (20) [LO null]
- 3 reflective journals (10% each) (10) [LO null]
- Research assignment (50%, 5000 words, group assignment 3 students per group plus a creative output) (50) [LO null]
- (null) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5160 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
