New technology has brought with it enhanced concern over the collection and use of private information. The government continues to at least express a belief in the benefits of the free access to information as a means of enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of government. Whistleblowing is recognised as a valid mechanism of government accountability but only in limited circumstances. Disclosure as a means building, and destroying, reputations is increasingly being used as a regulatory tool. This course seeks to bring these issues together in examining the legal issues arising from the access, collection, use, storage and disclosure of information in its various forms.
This course will look at the various ways in which the legal system either seeks to maintain the secrecy of information, or encourages its dissemination. It will look at the different ways in which information is treated when held by government as opposed to private entities. It will also use information as a vehicle to examine the law reform process through the responses to the changing way in which information is being generated and viewed in our society.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain, distinguish and apply the fundamental legal principles relating to the access, collection, use, storage and disclosure of information in its various forms covered in the course
- Identify and use a range of legally specific research principles, methods and tools appropriate to respond to a factually complex problem relating to how information can be accessed or disclosed;
- Select and apply a range of approaches to written and oral communication, and apply the critical thinking required to bring about solutions to a complex current law reform issue in relation to the access, collection, use, storage and disclosure of information; and
- Plan and conduct a legal research project both through collaboration with others and then with intellectual independence.
Other Information
- Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have three contact hours per week.
- Classes 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
- Assessment would likely consist of a both group and individual exercises, with different groups of students examining current topics related to the material being covered and giving presentations to the class, and individuals completing a series of on-line exercises and completing a research essay on one of a selection of topics linking together different aspects of the course. (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 in non-standard sessions will be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (approximately 36 hours of face to face teaching). The course will also require advanced preparation through assigned readings. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours.
- Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have three contact hours per week. Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Click here for the LLB Program course list
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Alternatively, this information will be published in the Program course list when known.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4980 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6000 |
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.
