CHB5204

Legal Issues in Bioethics ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Justin Oakley and Rob Sparrow

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (OCL)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit provides a framework for understanding the role and impact of law in areas of concern in bioethics, and considers how ethical and social debate can affect the process of law reform. It initially examines what values the state ought to be comitted to, the justifiable limits of legislative intervention, and approaches to the formulation of public policy in a democratic pluralist society. Libertarianism, Communitarianism and other approaches will be discussed. This will be followed by an examination of the current law and legal approach to areas of bioethical concern. The process of legal change and development will also be discussed.

Assessment: Essay (2000 words): 20% + Essay (3000 words): 30% + Take-home exam (4000 words): 50% + Distance education students are also required to keep a journal, recording their work for each topic

Contact Hours: 2 hour (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: CHB5101 and CHB5203, or equivalent