191-110 Law in Society

Law in Society introduces students to theories and concepts of law and practices of law in contemporary Australian society. It will also provide a foundation both for socio-legal studies subjects in later years and for later subjects in disciplines such as politics and criminology. The course is divided into five parts. 1. Law and multiculturalism examines how law takes cultural diversity into account, what the function of law is and can be in a multicultural society, looking at issues such as the criminalisation of female genital mutilation and the determining of 'reasonable' behaviour in a multicultural society. 2. Aboriginal law and Anglo-Australian law examines the inherent tensions as well as the relationship between these two bodies of law, looking at issues such as the incorporation of 'payback' into Anglo-Australian law. 3. Law's operation examines the jury, the judges, law's accessibility, the language of law and the culture of law. 4. Law and change examines social change and the reach of law, looking at issues such as how the law deals with sexual harassment, changes in technology, racial vilification, and genocide. 5. Alternatives to law examines Alternative Dispute Resolution and institutions such as the Koori Court.

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

• have cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly;

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

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

A written exercise of 500 words 10% (due early in the semester), an essay of 2000 words 40% (due during semester), and a take-home exam 50% (due at the end of semester).