Undergraduate - UnitLAW5217 - Law reform and community development

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Through Springvale Monash Legal Service, students will work with identified groups in the community who are experiencing injustice because of their common identity, particular legal problem or their poverty. Students will acquire a theoretical framework and first-hand perspective of the impact of the law and the legal system and focus on appropriate law reform campaigns and community development strategies. They will be divided into small teams and supervised on a day-to-day basis by a specialist member of the legal centre staff and assessed by a Monash Law academic located at the centre.

Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will:

• understand the impact of the law and the legal system on members of the community as individuals and as groups (particularly those who are disadvantaged) within a social, economic and political context
• understand and have developed the skills necessary to advocate for social justice in a socio-legal context
• understand the legal needs of relevant communities and be aware of the processes for responding to these needs through collaboration with NGO and government service providers
• be able to integrate their knowledge of particular areas of law with perceived community and client group disadvantage.
• understand the links between inadequate law and administration of the legal system with actual injustice
• be able to utilize affective advocacy directed at law reform.

Assessment

1 research activity of 5000 words, for example:
a submission to government on a specific aspects of law reform;
a set of community explanatory statements concerning projected changes to local laws and regulations;
a brief to media on the regional effects of government policy and regulation
OR
1 x joint research activity, involving two or more students - total of 5000 words. Can include electronic material, fact sheets etc. 65%
5 x journal entries outlining progress of project 10%
plus 1 public presentation of progress of project 25%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Helen Yandell

Contact hours

Students will attend a seminar program for 8 weeks involving 2 hours contact per week plus regular tutorials of 2 hours per week. Students will also be required to allocate 8 hours per week over 12 weeks for client-group consultations, private research, preparation of materials and community presentations, with assessment being finalised over the remaining 5 weeks of a 17 week period.

Prerequisites

Application form and more information available at http://www.law.monash.edu.au/cle.html