LAW5614 - Regulating relationships and families - 2018

This unit focuses on different types of families and how intra-family relationships are regulated under Australian family law and comparative overseas family law systems. The unit is designed to challenge students about notions of families and relationships. It looks at 'traditional' marriages as well as same sex marriages and de facto relationships in different jurisdictions. It looks at families formed through assisted reproductive technology, adoption and surrogacy. Once legislators intervene, courts need to interpret statutory frameworks in light of cultural values and social science knowledge. Students will examine how culture and social science influence legislation and case law. Students will also examine the notion of 'best interests' of the child and how this is determined in Australia and other jurisdictions.

This unit also challenges students to consider what constitutes child abuse and neglect. Students also examine emerging international issues such as international adoption, commercial surrogacy and international abduction of children.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

1. apply knowledge of and understanding of recent developments in relation to regulating relationships and different types of families in Australia and comparative family law systems with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning;
2. investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to different types of families and how intra-family relationships are regulated;
3. conduct research into regulating relationships and different types of families based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods; and
4. use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to how different families are formed and how intra-family relationships are regulated under Australian family law and comparative family law systems.

20% class attendance and participation

80% research assignment of 6,000 words (presented in accord with the AGLC).

Suggested topics will be provided but students can devise their own research topic with the lecturer's approval.

Students are required to attend 36 hours of seminars and undertake 108 hours of private study over the duration of the course, including reading, class preparation, assignment preparation, and revision.