LAW4646 - Sexuality and the law - 2017

This unit will examine various sources of international law that potentially apply to sexuality-based claims. The approach of individual states, both from a domestic law perspective and in interpreting international obligations, will also be considered. We will examine international treaties and case law from various international as well as domestic courts. Consideration will be given to policy objectives and competing cultural and political arguments. Students will work in groups and participate in exercises where they simulate the roles played by various constituencies, including judges, state actors, lawyers, and individuals claiming discriminatory treatment.

On completion of this unit, a student should be able to:

• demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles of international law that relate to sexuality-based claims
• articulate the basic variations of domestic law, from a global perspective, relating to sexuality-based claims
• understand the basis for legal distinctions between challenges based on privacy, discrimination, and free expression
• understand and the potential implications arising from claims based on privacy, discrimination, and free expression
• engage in policy discussions about laws relating to sexuality-based claims.

Class participation and in-class simulated exercises: 10%

Research paper (1,500 words): 30%

Take-home final examination: 60%.

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 Janice Richardson

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