LAW4129

Law and discrimination 406

(LAW)

Not offered in 2001

Ms Beth Gaze

6 credit points + Two 1.5-hour or one 1-hour and one 2-hour seminar per week + Clayton

Synopsis: Concepts of equality and discrimination. The Australian social context. The law developed around State and Federal anti-discrimination legislation primarily in sex discrimination. Grounds of discrimination including sex, race, disability and sexuality discrimination, and (if time) discrimination based on political or religious belief or activity. Areas of activity covered or exempted from the legislation. Constitutional complications of the legislation. Problems of proof. Procedural issues and the remedies available to victims of discrimination. Concludes by evaluating effectiveness of the legislation and alternative measures like affirmative action.

Assessment: Optional research paper (2500-3000 words): 30% + Optional class presentation: 10% + Final examination: 60%, 70%, 90% or 100% (depending on whether research paper and/or class presentation are done). Students may be permitted to increase the research paper up to 60% (6000 words) reducing the weighting of their final examination accordingly (to a minimum of 30%) if a class presentation is also undertaken.