All aspects of environmental and natural resource management are shaped by the law in some way. The law is used to define how, and by whom decisions that impact upon the environment are made.  Law imposes obligations upon individuals, institutions and governments; it is used to determine who is, or is not accountable for decisions and their consequences.  The law can be used to bring the resources of the state to permit or prohibit actions and allow choices whether they benefit or harm the environment.

This course offers environmental science, management and policy students an introduction to the workings of the Australian legal system and how the law and relevant institutions are used to affect environmental decision making.  While introducing students to key environmental legislation it explores how law is shaped by those with vested interests in the outcome and how law is applied, or ignored, in environmental decision making. You will gain a critical understanding of the law and its role in environmental decision making.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the role of parliaments, courts and the executive in the Australian legal system.
2. Explain the role and separation of responsibility between the States, Territories and the Commonwealth in the Australian federation.
3. Identify and explain key pieces of environmental legislation in different jurisdictions.
4. Discuss and compare the role of institutions in the development and enforcement of environmental law in different jurisdictions.
5. Critically discuss the role of law as a factor in environmental decision making in different jurisdictions and contexts.

Research-Led Teaching

This course provides an opportunity to explore issues in environmental law including how law is developed and made and how it is applied in practice. The first part of the course will focus on introducing you to the fundamentals of the Australian legal system including the institutions involved in law making and law enforcement and the key pieces of environmental law.

Your research will be supplemented by guest presentations from academic experts and practitioners who will share insights with you on the use of the law as an environmental policy tool.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

The first online exam will be made available on the Wattle site between week one and two of the course. Students will be able to complete that exam and submit it via Wattle.

The second online exam will be made available on the Wattle site immediately after the second week of the course. Students will be able to complete that exam and submit it via Wattle.

Required Resources

You will require access to a computer with a web browser and internet connection in order to access the unit Wattle site and as/if required to participate online.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• General comments to the whole class on the online exam
• Written comments on individual research reports;
• Verbal comments on individual presentations;
• Verbal feedback to the whole class on the exam and the research reports;
• Additional, individual feedback on request.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	The course is run over two consecutive weeks Monday 5th July to the Friday 16th July). In the first week students will be introduced to fundamental legal concepts including the sources of law and legal categories (torts, crime, administrative law) etc. The discussion will introduce the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and discuss the use of law as a tool in environment protection.	Online exam
2	In the second week of the course we will focus on Indigenous perspectives in environmental management, climate change law, the history of international environmental law and the application of international environmental law in the domestic context.	Class participation Online exam

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
1st Online exam	20 %	12/07/2021	24/07/2021	1,2, 3
Oral presentation/participate in class discussion	10 %	16/07/2021	30/07/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6
2nd Online exam	20 %	20/07/2021	04/08/2021	4,5,6
Research report	50 %	31/08/2021	20/09/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

This course does not include formal examination during the examination period.

Assessment Task 1

1st Online exam

The first test is to completed via Wattle between the two weeks of the intensive course. You will be able to log in at any time between 4pm on Friday 9th July and 9am on Monday 12th July to complete this task, but once you start, you must complete the test within 4 hours. There will be a bank of questions, and you will be asked to answer a random selection of those questions. That means that another student may not get the same questions or questions in the same order.

Value: 20% of the final mark.

Presentation requirements: The exam is to be completed online via Wattle.

Submission date: Any time between 4pm 9th July and 9am 12th July 2021.

Estimated return date: 24 July 2021.

Assessment Task 2

Oral presentation/participate in class discussion

Take an active part in the discussion by coming to the second intensive school prepared to answer an assigned question and contributing to discussion on other questions.

Value: 10% of the final mark.

Presentation requirements: You will be assigned a question on material that you are asked to read between the first and second week of the intensive school. You need to be prepared to answer that question and to take part, over the day, in a discussion on the significance of this decision and relate that to the material discussed in the first intensive course.

Due date: 16h July

Estimated return date: 30 July 2021

Assessment Task 3

2nd Online exam

The second test is to be completed via Wattle at the end of the intensive course. You will be able to log in at any time between 4pm on Friday 16th July and 5pm on Tuesday 20th July to complete this task, but once you start, you must complete the test within 4 hours. There will be a bank of questions, and you will be asked to answer a random selection of those questions. That means that another student may not get the same questions or questions in the same order.

Value: 20% of the final mark.

Presentation requirements: The exam is to be completed online via Wattle.

Submission date: Any time between 4pm 16th July and 5pm 20th July 2021.

Estimated return date: 4 August 2021.

Assessment Task 4

Research report

A substantial written report on a self-selected research topic. The convener will suggest some topics from which you can chose, or with the convener’s approval, you may nominate your own topic. The research must include original data/information analysis.

Value: 50% of the final mark.

Presentation requirements: The word limit is 3,000 words, plus references, figures and tables, and an abstract (limit an additional 150 words). Submission is through Turnitin.

Due date: 31 August 2021.

Estimated return date: 20 September 2021 (This is the date of the release of final results).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site, or using a Wattle assignment submission link. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignments on Turnitin. Please keep a copy of each assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure.

The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request it in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be marked electronically and comments provided via Turnitin or Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students