Course overview
In the last fifty years, sports law has emerged as one of the most important and controversial fields of law. It overlaps with contract law, employment law, competition law, intellectual property law, criminal law, tort law and many other fields. There are also many legal issues specific to sport such as policy responses to doping and drug use, athlete behaviour and discipline, corruption, and selection processes. This course will examine a number of these legal fields in the sporting context and analyse the way in which sport and the law interact. The course will provide an overview of some of the unique legal issues which arise in modern elite and professional sports at a national and international level. Topics covered will include: national and international governance of sport and sporting organisations; employment and contract law issues concerning elite athletes; discrimination in sport; IP and marketing; labour market controls and issues such as salary caps; animals in sport; disciplinary tribunals and the regulation of athlete behaviour; anti-doping policy and cases; restrictive trade practices; and civil/criminal liability for sporting injuries.
Course learning outcomes
- Reflect upon the relationship between Australian sport and law, and the nature of and reasons for changes in that relationship, including international and policy perspectives
- Analyse and apply in a principled manner the intermediate principles of administrative, criminal, tort, contract, employment and intellectual property law having particular relevance to Australian sport. Undertake legal research at an intermediate level, and evaluate and apply a range of legal sources to respond to legal questions
- Structure and sustain concise and cohesive written arguments for a legal and non-legal audience. Communicate and work effectively individually and as part of a team
- Engage in informed debate over the suitability of existing legal and regulatory arrangements for Australian sport within the global scene
- Interact with peers in an ethical manner, appropriate to an academic environment. Exercise professional judgement in completion of in-class activities and assessments.Sports Law affords valuable opportunities to study a diverse range of challenging theoretical and practical legal issues within an interesting and highly topical setting. The course should assist in developing legal knowledge and understanding of wide application.