Law, Government and Community

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
LAWS 1012
Course ID icon
Course ID
200536
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

In this course, students will explore the interactions between Australia’s federal system of public law, our system of government and what it means to be a member of our community. Students will review our systems of governance through theories of law, government and justice and, in particular, will consider the perspectives and position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Australian legal system. Students will also learn about topical social justice issues that involve aspects of community-centred practice, and how the law has and can responded to those issues. In addition, students will develop skills in legal writing, including developing skills in critical reflection and legal argument. The focus of this course is supporting students to consider their emerging knowledge of the law in its social, historical, political and theoretical context. Students will build skills in critical analysis that they will develop further throughout their degree and apply as students and practitioners to develop creative solutions to legal and social problems.

  • Key Concepts + Law & Sovereignty In Australia
  • Distribution And Division Of Lawmaking Power In The Australian Legal System
  • Rights Protection, Social Justice And Community Justice In Australia

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain the concepts and structure of Australia's federal system of law and governance
  • Assess the context and history of sovereignty and Aboriginal self-determination within the Australian legal system from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspective
  • Discuss social justice issues within the relevant conceptual framework of public law and governance, either individually or as part of a team
  • Identify community groups whose activities intersect with public law and governance and describe how the law affects their social justice interests
  • Communicate using foundational writing skills and/or oral presentation skills applicable to a legal context
  • Observe and reflect on cross-cultural competence

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A