LAWS2270 Law Reform

Later Year Course

Offered By	Law
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Laws
Offered in	First Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course gives students an understanding of the theory and contemporary practice of law reform. We define law, and therefore law reform, widely to include changes to legislation, common law and policy. Similarly, we consider a number of ways in which law reform can be initiated and achieved, ranging from political lobbying and parliamentary inquiries to test case litigation and use of the media. Throughout the course there is discussion about the role of lawyers in pursuing law reform, and of the skills needed and the ethical considerations that arise.
Learning Outcomes	On successfully completing this course, students will be able to: understand different philosophical conceptions of law reform explain different theoretical justifications for law reform describe the different available methods of achieving law reform analyse the appropriateness of those different methods according to a particular law reform issue design a law reform strategy that is appropriate to a particular law reform issue describe the skills necessary for a lawyer to engage effectively in law reform act ethically in undertaking law reform.
Indicative Assessment	The learning outcomes for this course are best achieved through reflection on and discussion of theory, analysis and case studies in the readings, and active engagement in law reform activity. An exam is inappropriate to assess achievement of the learning outcomes. Rather, the assessment will include a series of reflective journal entries based on the readings for class, an assignment that is a practical exercise in designing law reform strategy, and constructive participation in class discussion and practical activities.
Workload	This course is taught for three hours a week, in one two hour class and one hour class each week. Depending on enrolment numbers, the class will be a seminar discussion based on the readings, rather than a lecture. There will as well be a weekly practical activity in class that enables students to implement law reform tactics in a hypothetical scenario.
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills	In engaging in discussion about processes for changing law, this course assumes that have a general understanding of the conventional processes of making law (eg through legislation, policy, and appellate courts), and a general awareness of contemporary politics and policy debates.
Requisite Statement	Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.
Prescribed Texts	There is unlikely to be prescribed text. Readings are likely to be in a brick. Information about prescribed texts will be made available in the course outline on the course home page.
Preliminary Reading	The preliminary reading required for this course, if any, will be available from the course home page at least one week prior to the commencement of the course.
Indicative Reading List	A reading guide will be available on the course web page.
Technology Requirements	Students must have access to and be able to use WebCT to participate in this course, and to complete compulsory assessment tasks.
Academic Contact	Simon Rice

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