The Prison Legal Literacy Clinic offers students a unique opportunity to work with detainees in a prison setting at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). The AMC is the Australian Capital Territory's only adult prison, accommodating all persons who have been sentenced to full-time imprisonment or remanded in custody by ACT Courts.

The Prison Legal Literacy Clinic was developed from the highly successful ANU College of Law, Law Reform and Social Justice Prison Legal Literacy Program which commenced in 2010. 

Students in the Prison Legal Literacy Clinic will attend the AMC to deliver six legal literacy sessions for a cohort of detainees chosen by AMC management. These sessions provide legal information only, rather than legal advice. The first session focuses on establishing mutually agreed rules and boundaries, developing respectful relationships and identifying areas of legal interest to detainees that will become the topics for the remaining five sessions. These topics are as diverse as detainees interests but may involve laws and legal process relating to criminal law, evidence, sentencing, appeals, parole, administrative law, human rights law and tort law. Many topics require students to convey an understanding of the democratic process of law making, the federal system of law as well as the hierarchy and jurisdiction of courts and tribunals. The emphasis is on students working as a team to develop informative, engaging and interactive sessions. Student are required to undertake significant research in each week of the session delivery phase of the course, often in areas of law that are unfamiliar to them. Detainees who complete the program are presented with a certificate in the final session acknowledge their efforts.

Students will be provided with Security Awareness Training by the AMC and supported before and during the delivery stage of the program by the course convenor who will be present at, and guide the delivery of, each of the Legal Literacy Sessions at the AMC.

Following the delivery of six sessions (in the first 6 weeks of the semester) students are required to submit a reflective assessment. Students will then use the remaining six weeks of the semester to write a research paper on a legal topic they have identified from their experience with detainees within the AMC. Students will be supported to develop and hone their research papers in research workshops that will be held in the second half of the semester.

Students must apply to undertake this course. Please go to Law Professional Experience for application information.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Synthesise and apply legal knowledge and insight into diverse perspectives to empower detainees and promote social justice,
2. Reflect on their learning experiences to develop their professional and ethical capabilities,
3. In delivering legal education to detainees, synthesise and communicate a coherent body of legal knowledge,
4. Critique the legal system to propose and justify practical solutions to issues of entrenched injustice, power and disadvantage,
5. Plan and execute a research project addressing a problem relating to the prison setting. 

Research-Led Teaching

Philosophical, sociological, legal, human rights, and evidenced-based research and literature on criminal justice, punishment, state accountability and correctional management, will be used to stimulate students to assist in the preparation of legal resources to be used either for law reform, detainees and/or public education.

Field Trips

At least 3x field trips will be aimed for, to various criminal justice institutions in Canberra. This may require security checks to be undertaken (e.g. by AMC prison).

Additional Course Costs

Travel expenses to/from criminal justice institutions in Canberra.

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. Readings will be made available on Canvas two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

Recommended Resources

See Reading Guide available on CANVAS for bibliography and resources.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course: • written comments • verbal comments

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course: is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity ) provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai ) is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills ) provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU College of Law Academic Integrity and Misconduct site (https://law.anu.edu.au/academic-integrity-and-misconduct ) provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Workshop
2	Workshop (field trip TBC)
3	Workshop (field trip TBC)
4	Workshop (field trip TBC)
5	Workshop (field trip TBC)
6	Workshop (field trip TBC)
7	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project
8	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project	Presentation of Work-in-Progress
9	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project
10	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project
11	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project
12	Workshop + self-directed study/preparation of research project

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Critical reflection on criminal justice institution stimulus	15 %	*	2,3
Digital learning resource and accompanying justification	35 %	*	2
Work-In-Progress presentation and summary document	10 %	01/05/2026	1,4
Research project	40 %	01/06/2026	1,4,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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 ‘Canvas’ 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.

Participation

Attendance and participation is compulsory. Student must abide by the Student Expectations and Clinic Requirements: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/professional-experience/clinical-courses

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Critical reflection on criminal justice institution stimulus

Details of Task: Real-world engagement with criminal justice institutions (e.g., where possible, courts, prison), alongside readings, in the first half of the semester will serve as stimulus for a written critical reflection.

Nature of Task: Attendance and participation in any field trips is compulsory. Non-field trip engagement with criminal justice institutions is also compulsory. Students must abide by the Student Expectations and Clinic Requirements.

Weighting: 15%

Word Limit: 900 words.

Due Date: Students can choose a week's stimulus, between Weeks 2 and 6, to reflect on. Reflections must be submitted by 9.00am of the Thursday following the week's stimulus. E.g. if Week 3's stimulus is selected, critical reflection must be submitted by 9.00am Thursday of Week 4. The final date reflections can be submitted is 9 April 2026, i.e. the Thursday following Week 6.

Estimated Return Date: Via Canvas. Any student can seek individual feedback from the convenor at any time.

Assessment Criteria: Assessment Rubric available on Canvas

Assessment Task 2

Digital learning resource and accompanying justification

Details of Task: Students will be divided into five groups of five (or fewer, subject to class capacity). Each group will be assigned a week between weeks 3 - 6 to collaboratively design and create a digital learning resource. The resource will comprise two components: (1) a shortform video (in TikTok, YT Short, Reel style medium, 90s - 2m in length) about a legal issue/rule/procedure relevant to detainees, their families, and/or the general public. Subject to convenor approval, each group selects the subject matter for their video. (2) An accompanying justification document setting out the relevant legal component of the resource (the case law, the legislation, or the legal structures/procedures that you are offering information on/analysis of), and setting out the educational component of the resource (pedagogical and theoretical justifications, learning outcomes, resources relied on, and roles/contribution of group members).

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task.

Weighting: 35%. Each student will receive the same mark for this assessment.

Word Limit: Video between 90 seconds and 2 minutes. 1200 words for justification document. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due Date: By 5.00pm on the Friday of each group's assigned week (i.e. between 13 March - 3 April 2026, depending on assigned week). Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated Return Date: Via Canvas. Any student can seek individual feedback from the convenor at any time.

Assessment Criteria: Assessment Rubric available on Canvas.

Assessment Task 3

Work-In-Progress presentation and summary document

Details of Task: Students will undertake a research project as described in Assessment Task 4. This presentation will be a work-in-progress outline, to discuss the thinking behind your chosen topic/format for that research project. A summary document (no more than 600 words) must be submitted on the day of the presentation.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task.

Weighting: 10%

Duration: 5-10 minutes of presentation and 5 minutes of questions.

Word Limit: 600 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due Date: Presentation will be during the scheduled class time in Week 8, Friday 1 May 2026. Summary document due by 5:00pm the same day, Friday 1 May 2026. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated Return Date: via Canvas.

Assessment Criteria: Assessment Rubric available on Canvas.

Assessment Task 4

Research project

Details of Task: Students will submit a research project about a topic of their choice, relevant to the prison element of the criminal justice system. Creativity and autonomy over this project is encouraged; for example, students may submit a popular-media article about prison reform, a briefing note to counsel on a legal area which may produce grounds for a test case, a critical discourse analysis of reporting about prisons in the ACT, an information toolkit (fact sheet, self-help kits, with complementary notes for practitioners and support staff), or a law reform submission. There is wide discretion, but students must discuss their chosen topic and format with the convenor (even simply via email) for confirmation that their project will meet requirements.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task.

Weighting: 40%

Word Limit: 2500 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due date: 5:00pm, Monday 1 June 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date via Canvas.

Assessment Criteria: Assessment Rubric available on Canvas.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

• Late submission permitted. 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 tests or examinations.

• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary.

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

• Maximum Submissions: Students can submit up to three times per assessment.

• Final Submission Counts: Only the last uploaded version will be marked — provided it is uploaded before marking begins.

• Late Submissions: If submitted after the due date, the final version will still be marked, but late penalties will apply (unless an extension has been approved).

• No Submissions After Return Date: Once the return-of-assessment date has passed, NO submissions will be accepted.

• Marking Already Started: If a marker has already begun marking a version, that version will be the one assessed — even if a newer one is uploaded later.

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 Access 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 all ANU students