615-355 Legal & Ethical Frameworks

62.5 points of 200-level information systems subjects.

This subject introduces some of the legal and ethical issues associated with the effective use of information systems in a complex organisational and societal framework. Alternative legal business entities and types of contracts are defined. The subject then explores the development and implementation of information systems in ways that satisfy legal, ethical and business requirements.

Topics may include business entities (companies, partnerships, trusts etc.), contracts, copyright and patents, privacy and confidentiality, and computer crime.

At the completion of this subject, students should:

• have an understanding of the legal framework of business with respect to information systems, including business entities, intellectual property, contracts, and privacy;

• be exposed to, and have grappled with, a series of practical ethical questions; and

• have constructed a personal frame of reference for ethical practice.

Assessment is based on performance in a combination of requirements that may include participation in tutorials, written assignments (not exceeding 6000 words in total), oral presentation, and exams. Weighting of the assessment components will be announced at the commencement of the subject.