LAW4158

Indigenous peoples and the law 406 (6 points)

(LAW)

Leader: Ms Melissa Castan

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)

Synopsis: The legislative control, 'protection' and disempowerment experienced by indigenous Australians and the historical, comparative and contemporary contexts of their experiences in and with the Australian legal system. Laws and policies concerning identity, dispossession, protection and assimilation are examined. Over-representation of indigenous people within the criminal justice system, Deaths in Custody and stolen generations. Land rights, the Mabo and Wik cases, and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). Human rights and the role of international law, self determination, reconciliation and law reform.

Assessment: Class participation and presentation: 10% + Optional Research paper (2,500 - 3000 words): 40% + Supervised examination: 50% OR Class participation and presentation: 10% + supervised examination : 90% if no Research Paper submitted

Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures per week

Corequisites: LAW3300 and LAW3400