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 196-011 The Legal Context of Human Services

Note

Formerly available as 196-320/420. Students who have completed 196-320/420 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Availability

BSW 1st year, Accelerated Program 2nd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Mr Phillip Swain

Prerequisites

Selection into the Bachelor of Social Work course or for BA students 100 points of subjects.

Semester

1 (view timetable)

Contact

A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour workshop/seminar per week

Subject Description

This subject provides a general overview of the Australian and Victorian legal systems and their components and the values and principles upon which law is based. The subject also examines current legal issues in such practice areas as child protection, family law, social security and domestic violence. The subject does not attempt to cover all the issues raised by a consideration of the law. This subject explores the relationship between law and the human services to develop students' understanding of the major legal structures and organisations that impinge on welfare practice. It includes material on giving evidence to tribunals and courts of law; the ethics of practice; the Australian legal system; protection of human rights in Australia; the role of the state in income maintenance; family law; state intervention in the family and domestic violence.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words or equivalent. Attendance at a minimum of 75% of seminars is a hurdle requirement for this subject.

Prescribed Texts

  • P A Swain, In the Shadow of the Law. Federation Press 1995.
  • Fitzroy Legal Service, The Law Handbook 1999.
  • S Tarakson, Everyday Law. Federation Press 1995.


Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
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Status:                   Official 1999
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au