LAW5637 - Asian legal systems - 2019

This unit is designed to examine contemporary issues in the Asian legal systems. It will examine the Asian perspectives on the rule of law, the court reform, constitutionalism, security and human rights, legal pluralism, corruption and the issue of law and development. Students in this subject will gain a comparative overview of the legal systems of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with reference to other Asian countries as appropriate.

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

• demonstrate an advanced understanding of the main and current issues of the Asian legal systems;
• identify and articulate complex legal issues in which economic, political, cultural and ethical values shape the development of law in Asia;
• articulate and critically compare aspects of Asian law and legal institutions with Australian counterparts;
• recognise and reflect of how Australian lawyers might adapt when dealing with Asian legal institutions and legal professionals; and
• improve legal research and writing skills

Attendance requirement: Students who fail to attend at least 80% of the classes in this unit (ie who miss 3 or more classes) will receive a result of 0 N for the unit. Students who are unable to meet this requirement due to severe illness or other exceptional circumstances must make an application for in-semester special consideration with supporting documentation.

Class participation: 10%

One research assignment (3750 words): 50%

One take-home examination (3000 words): 40%

Students are required to attend 36 hours of lectures over the duration of this semi-intensive unit.