LAW7118

Pacific comparative law

(LAW)

Dr Guy Powles

6 points + One 2-hour seminar per week + First semester + Clayton

Synopsis: Comparative study of the societies, constitutions and legal systems of Pacific states including Australia. Comparative/interdisciplinary approaches to the study of law. Themes include 'Government': traditional political systems, colonial imprint, sovereignty and dependency, constitutional models, overthrow of government, court systems, techniques for checking power; 'Legal pluralism': sources of law, customary law, common law, recognition of indigenous law, ethnic difference, human rights, dispute resolution; 'Property': early concepts, recognition of land rights, natural resources, regulation of commerce and investment; 'Regional issues': environment, fisheries, treaties.

Assessment: Class test (50 minutes): 10% + Work-in-progress presentation: 10% + Research paper (5000-6000 words): 80%