730-358 Law and Society In South East Asia

History and Philosophy of Law I and II.

This subject examines very different Southeast Asian legal system selected from Indonesia, Malaysia, East Timor, the Philippines and Vietnam. It aims to provide students with practical insights into the operation of law in Southeast Asia in diverse social and political settings. In each case examination of political, social and historical background leads to study of the legal system and the role of the courts and lawyers and then focuses on specific case studies including human rights, the constitution and the role of the state, ethnicity, gender issues, land rights, religion and religious laws, the role of ideology in law and judicial and extra-judicial approaches to dispute resolution.

Note: This is an approved legal theory subject. The essay in this subject is regarded as a substantial piece of legal writing for honours purposes.

Either research assignment 5000-6000 words (100%) OR final examination three hours (100%).

Printed materials will be issued by the Faculty of Law. The following may be useful:

• T Lindsey, Indonesia: Law and Society. Federation Press, 1999.
• Poh Ling Tan, Asian Legal Systems. Butterworths.