730-205 Law and Society in Malaysia

Principles of Public Law; Legal Theory or in each case their equivalents.

This subject gives students the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the historical, political, economic, religious and social context of, and influences upon, the legal system of Malaysia and to reflect upon the commonalities with, and differences from, Australian legal institutions and practices. Topics will include: the colonial sources of Malaysian law; the administration of justice and the independence of the judiciary; the survival of customary law (adat) and the recognition of indigenous native title to land; the constitutional rights and preventive detention as a response to terrorism; relations between ethnic politics and the law; the administration of Islamic laws in a multi-cultural society; the Anwar Ibrahim trial and its consequences; Non Government Organisations and agitation for law reform; and women's rights claims under a plural legal system.

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

Research assignment 5000 words 100% (due end of semester) OR a final examination three hours 100%.

Printed materials will be issued by the Faculty of Law.