191-211 Law, Justice and Social Change

Formerly available as 191-310. Students who have completed 191-310 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first-year arts including 191110 Law in Society.

This subject will examine the ways in which law can be seen as both an instrument of positive social change and yet also as a means of confirming existing social arrangements and resisting social change. It will investigate theoretical perspectives on law, justice and the community, the role of law in social conflicts, and a series of case studies concerning the struggles for access to justice and involvement in legal processes and institutions by particular groups and individuals. It will look at a selection of issues such as gender politics, ethnicity, race, disability, indigenous politics, sexual orientation, class and economic struggles, social dissent, non-English speaking background individuals and ADR. Students will choose a case study to follow through the course, and will visit a community legal centre or government body to interview a staff member involved in the writing of a report or submission.

• have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

• have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;

• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

A 1500-word report and an informal class presentation on report 35% (due mid-semester) and a 2500-word research essay 65% (due during the examination period).