196-011 The Legal Context of Human Services

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work course; for BA students 100 points of subjects.

Semester

Contact

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 does not attempt to cover all issues raised by a consideration of the law. However, it does explore the relationship between the law and the human services to develop student's 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; and state intervention in the family and domestic violence.

Assessment

Assessment in this subject may include participation in computer-based multimedia exercises, observation and comment upon of particular legal settings, class participation and presentation, and written work. Assessment totals 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 2001.
• S Tarakson, Everyday Law. Federation Press, 1995.