LEGL3009
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
In the 21st century professionals of all kinds are drawn by their work and study into multidisciplinary contexts. For example, '[s]ocial work, as a profession, exists in a contested domain, within a framework of rights and duties that are defined and constrained by law' (and other things) (Rice, Day and Briskman 2018). An understanding of law by non-legal professionals helps them to recognise when the law may be a means to challenge oppression and when the law might be restrictive and limit value-based practice. This course is designed to support 3rd year Social Work students and Social Science students to gain knowledge and skills about the legal system and legal process in ways that will facilitate their more effective professional practice. This includes providing opportunities to learn how the legal system works in subject areas including child and family law, guardianship, disability and mental health. It has a focus on supporting persons who are marginalised, advocating for the just rule of law, human rights and enhancing social justice
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify the elements of the Australia's legal system that are most relevant to the work of social workers and social science professionals.
2. Analyse the most common activities performed by social workers and social science professionals in the Australian legal system including in courts and tribunals.
3. Critically analyse the opportunities and challenges associated with the legal framework that regulates the practise of social workers and social science professionals.
4. Apply the relevant legal rules to problem based scenarios that are common in the practice of social workers and social science professionals.
Content
The topics in this course include the following:
- The Australian Legal System: An Introduction
- International Law obligations and their impact on the Australian system
- The Impact of Law on Professional Practice & Interdisciplinary Interactions
- Understanding Courts and Tribunals
- Legal Procedures and Evidence
- Legal Dimensions of Professional Record Keeping
- Legal Dimensions of specific practice areas including: child and family law, child protection, discrimination family violence, guardianship, disability, and mental health.
Assessment items
Quiz: 3 quizes
Written Assignment: Written/oral assessment on Courts, Procedure and Evidence
Written Assignment: Final Problem Based Scenario
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- This course adopts the blended learning approach with students having a minimum of 1 hour online prep before the seminar. Students will attend the seminar either face to face at Callaghan or the livestream alternative.
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- This course adopts the blended learning approach with students having a minimum of 1 hour online prep before the seminar. Students will attend the seminar either face to face at Callaghan or the livestream alternative.
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.