CJC2010

Legal Studies, Law and Society

(ART)

Dr Jane-Maree Maher

6 points + Semester One + Clayton, Caulfield + 1 one hour lecture and 1 one hour tutorial + Prerequisites: CJC1001/CJC1002 (These units are prerequisites only if the student wishes to undertake a CJC major. This unit can be taken as an elective without prerequisites.)

Synopsis: Legal Studies, Law and Society wil examine how the legal system impacts on the social and political landscape in our society. The unit offers key critical legal theories and frameworks and develops practical applications of these through a consideration of key social examples such as the process of law reform. It will offer an introduction to the development of specific legal systems in the Australian context and the extra legal role that such systems play in the development of society. Attention will be given to critical approaches to the legal system, including critical legal theories, analysis of the class and race based discrimination that may be inherent in the legal system.

Assessment: Two Hour examination : 40% + Research essay (2500 words): 40% + Class presentation: 10% + Class participation: 10%