LEGL3008
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
Child law is a unique course in Australia. It brings students from law and social work together to study the law and the social context of the law as it impacts upon children. It builds a foundation for the study of specific laws (child protection, juvenile justice and family law) by exploring human rights, social and legal perspectives. It considers broader legal and social issues that affect children, including: 1. When children are considered capable of making legal decisions (legal capacity). 2. International and human rights law applicable to children in Australia. 3. The nature of inter-professional collaboration on behalf of children in varied legal contexts. 4. Children's interaction with legal processes. 5. Differential impact of laws on certain groups of children, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify the elements of a children's rights approach to legal issues that affect children and young people.
2. Critically analyse the role of law and the limits of the domestic legislative framework from a children's rights perspective.
3. Demonstrate understanding of family, criminal and child protection law, policy and processes as it relates to problem-scenarios concerning children;
4. Critically reflect upon legal material presented in the context of professional practice with children and apply this to problem scenarios, demonstrating awareness of a children's rights approach.
5. Demonstrate understanding of: the different and complementary orientations of professionals who work with children; the skills required to develop collaborative interdisciplinary relationships; and an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary and holistic responses to children and young people's legal issues.
6. Work more effectively in teams to solve problems.
Content
The topics in this course include the following:
- International Law and the human rights of children
- Children, legal capacity and the legal process
- Concepts from family law relevant to children
- Child protection law
- Juvenile Justice
- Interprofessional practice in legal contexts
Assessment items
Quiz: Quiz
Written Assignment: Advocacy Letter
Written Assignment: Time Restricted Problem Questions - Policy recommendations and case tudy.
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Mix of interdisciplinary seminars with law students (LAWS5006; LAWS6096) and some disciplinary seminars for social work only.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
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.