LAW4164 - International refugee law and practice - 2017

This course will examine the sources of international refugee law and the evolution of the international regime for refugee protection. It will discuss comparative implementation of the refugee definition in Europe and other jurisdictions; modification of the Refugees Convention in domestic legislation; restrictive concepts such as 'internal protection' and 'safe third country' and the development of 'complementary protection' for asylum-seekers. It will then address issues raised by regional responses and creation of 'burden sharing' arrangements between states; procedures for determination of refugee status and proposals to reformulate the refugee protection regime.

Upon completion of this unit, students should:

1. comprehend the background and nature of international refugee law
2. Articulate and apply the international instruments applicable to asylum seekers, including the Refugees Convention, in particular the various elements of the definition of 'refugee' under the Refugees Convention
3. Critically evaluate comparative state and regional practices towards refugee applicants and measures adopted to modify the Refugees Convention.
4. Demonstrate legal research and reasoning skills to articulate legal and policy issues, to research, and to formulate reasoned and appropriate responses to legal problems in international refugee law
5. Develop skills of oral presentation and argumentation in an interactive class context; and
6. Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support personal and professional development; and Learn and work with autonomy, accountability and professionalism.

Research assignment (2,500 words): 50%

Examination (2 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 50%.

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Maria O'Sullivan

For students who commenced their LLB (Hons) course in 2015 or later:

LAW1111; LAW1114; LAW1112; LAW1113; LAW2101; LAW2102; LAW2112; LAW2111

For students who commenced their LLB course prior to 2015: LAW1100 OR LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104

For students who commenced their LLB (Hons) course in 2015 or later: LAW3111; LAW3112