ABOR2245
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course will explore the history of law and contemporary legal issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the legal realm. Students will explore the principles underlying a history of British colonial law in Australia as an integral component of invasion. The course examines several legal cases, the doctrine of terra nullius, summary justice, and Black Deaths in custody through a critical analysis of 19th century colonial case law. The course will also address contemporary issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with the legal justice system including over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the justice system, circle sentencing and native title.
All ABOR courses are constructed with the Wollotuka Institute's Cultural Standards Framework.
Availability2023 Course Timetables
Online
- Semester 2 - 2023
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. A detailed analytical understanding of the historical legal sequences after Cook
2. A clear conceptualisation and practical application of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples and the results of foreign laws enacted upon them.
3. A foundational level of knowledge relating to the protection era and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues
4. An explanation of the foundations of legal inequity as it relates to social justice.
5. Evidence of a range of academic skills in relation writing, oral presentation, critical thinking, research and analysis.
Content
Students will explore the principles underlying the introduction and application of English common law and the Australian constitutional law to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Several law cases will be critically reviewed along with the doctrine of Terra Nullius, Native Title and Racial Discrimination. Further discussion will examine issues of deaths in custody, over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the legal justice realm and Aboriginal legal services.
Assumed knowledge
ABOR1110 or equivalent introductory Aboriginal Studies course
Contact hours
Online
Lecture
Online 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial
Online 2 hour(s) per Week for 12 Weeks starting in week 2
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.