LAR2005/LAR3005

Legal systems and recorded information

F Ross

4 points - 2-3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the legal/juridical context of information management work in Australia; be aware of the legal issues associated with new information and communication technologies; and have acquired skills and techniques for collecting and analysing data about information-management related legislation, standards, ethics and best practice, and for assessing their relevance to particular social and business activities and compliance management.

Synopsis This subject will provide an understanding of the broad juridical context of information management and knowledge of the information-related legal responsibilities and obligations of organisations, including law, regulations, standards and statements of industry best practice established by professional and business organisations. It will convey a general awareness of the legal and standard-compliance issues associated with management of the new information and communication technologies. Topics covered will include access and disclosure; privacy and confidentiality; intellectual property; accountability and the document trail; legal requirements for keeping and disposing of information; information as evidence; and archival and records management legislation. This subject will also provide students with skills and techniques for collecting and analysing data about legislation, standards, ethics and best practice in information management, and assessing their relevance to particular social and business activities.

Assessment Project work: 50% - Examination (2 hours): 50%

Recommended texts

Enright C Studying law 5th edn, Federation Press, 1995
Morris G and others Laying down the law 4th edn, Butterworths, 1996
Oppenheim C The legal and regulatory environment for electronic information 2nd edn, Infotronics, 1995
Skupsky D Recordkeeping requirements 2nd edn, Information Requirements Clearinghouse, 1989
Smith H 'Legal responsibilities and issues' in Ellis J (ed.) Keeping archives 2nd edn, Thorpe, 1993

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