Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides an overview of international air and space law as it affects commercial aviation and space activities from international airline operations to space-borne telecommunications. Areas examined include laws relating to airline safety, commercial access to international air routes, interception and the use of force against airlines, air carrier liability for death and injury and aviation security laws relating to hijacking and other unlawful acts of interference; whilst space law study focuses on areas such as control of space activities, legal liability, telecommunications, space tourism and environmental issues.

Objectives

On completion of this unit student should have:

1. a familiarity with the international legal order affecting the status and use of airspace and outer space;
2. an understanding of treaty law, general principles of international law and declaratory principles applicable to civil aviation and outer space activities;
3. an appreciation of the role of international organizations in the development of related treaty law;
4. the ability to analyze and apply current air and space laws to factual situations and an awareness of how those laws may be improved in order to enhance the use of airspace and outer space for the benefit of all mankind.

Assessment

Take-home examination (maximum 7500 words): 100% OR Shorter take-home examination (maximum 3750 words) 50% and 4000 word assignment: 50%

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 OR LAW1104