CJC2010

Legal Studies, Law and Society ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Sharon Pickering

Offered:
Caulfield First semester 2005 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Legal Studies, Law and Society will 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.

Objectives: Upon completion of this subject students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of key legal principles and frameworks. 2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the institutions of law and the philosophy under which these institutions operate. 3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the fields of criminology and justice studies, especially how these inform and influence the discourse of law. 4. Understand the legal research process and have a good knowledge of the use of the internet for the purposes of legal and other academic research. 5. Present and argue positions based on their understand of the fields of criminology and legal justice. 6. Demonstrate a well-developed intellectual frame for the broader implications of criminal justice policy.

Assessment: Participation (500 words equivalent)10%; Examination 2 hours (2000 words equivalent)45%; Assignment (2000 words)45%