LAW7017

Drugs and the law

Ms F McNiff

Intensive
* Summer semester
* City

Objectives The main objective of the course is to expose students to a rigorous examination of selected aspects of the Federal and Victorian criminal justice systems as such pertain to drug and drug related offences. Students will be provided with an opportunity to (a) gain a general appreciation of the current legislation and leading cases, together with consideration of some related fields of knowledge and processes; and (b) focus upon a particular facet or aspects in this area via individual seminar participation and research.

Synopsis The central focus of the course is upon analysis of investigation, substantive, evidentiary, procedural and sentencing issues germane to the Victorian and Federal laws and systems. Topics may include (a) proscription and regulation of drug use; (b) nature, incidence and pharmacology of dependence; (c) State and Federal responsibilities: policies and jurisdiction; (d) detection; (e) investigation; (f) prosecutorial discretions; (g) pre-trial issues; (h) substantive laws; (i) evidentiary problems; (j) proof at sentence; (k) sentencing: drug offences; (l) sentencing drug-related offences; (m) rehabilitation and treatment; (n) confiscation and allied orders; (o) parameters of criminal regulation and (p) systemic reform.

Assessment: Research paper - common topic (4000 words): 40%
* Research paper - individual topic (4000 words): 40%
* Seminar participation: 20%

Texts

Legislation and class materials