LAW4242 - Introduction to transitional justice - 2019

The term 'transitional justice' refers to the various judicial and non-judicial measures that may be implemented in order to redress a legacy of human rights abuse. Such measures include criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations and different forms of institutional reform. This unit will begin by providing an overview of transitional justice; it will consider the meaning of the term "transitional justice" and provide a framework through which the concept may be understood. The unit will then engage in a more detailed discussion of the actual transitional justice mechanisms before moving on to consider a number of case studies in order to ground students' understanding of the subject matter in concrete examples. In addition to exploring the transitional justice programs implemented in different countries, the unit will also engage in a comparative analysis of the various case studies and will examine a number of cross-cutting themes, such as gender and transitional justice.

At the successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

• understand the meaning of "transitional justice" and its application in different contexts.
• recognise the complexities and context specific nature of a comprehensive transitional justice program.
• analyse a transitional justice program from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• critically evaluate the use of different transitional justice mechanisms in a number of different contexts.
• examine the applicability of transitional justice mechanisms within the Australian context.
• communicate effectively and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• conduct comprehensive interdisciplinary research.
• learn and work both autonomously and collaboratively and use feedback to improve their own capabilities and performance.

Class Presentation: 10%

AND

Optional Assignment: 30% (1,500 words) OR

Write-up of class presentation (ungraded hurdle requirement)

AND

Take-home exam: 90% / 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