166-442 Law, Ethics and Public Policy

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Admission to fourth-year Political Science.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The development of skills relevant in the policy-making process by familiarising students with developments within legal and ethical philosophy and by requiring them to reflect on the institutions responsible for implementing programs. The primary focus will be on public sector ethics. We consider issues such as 'whistle blowing', the obligation of public sector employees when giving evidence to parliamentary committees or other official investigative bodies, sexual and racial harassment, and conflict of interest. Students who complete this subject should: gain skills that would be relevant in the policy-making process; understand recent developments within legal and ethical philosophy; understand the institutions (courts, parliaments and administrative agencies) responsible for implementing programs in Australia; be aware of relevant developments in the United States for comparative purposes.

Assessment

Written work totalling 6000 words.