JUST 2007 Human Rights, Human Services and the Law (Block Mode)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101772

Coordinator Maggie Hall Opens in new window

Description This unit aims to provide knowledge of human rights issues and laws which are particularly relevant to social workers and community welfare workers. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon the powers, responsibilities and obligations in their professional roles and acquire skills to promote justice for disadvantaged individuals and groups through advocacy and law reform.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 7655 - Human Rights Human Services and the Law (AREPMetro) WELF 2008 - Human Rights Human Services and the Law

Restrictions Students must be enrolled in 1689 Bachelor of Community and Social Development and must have successfully completed 60 credit points at Levels 1 and 2.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Apply a broad understanding of the Australian legal system with particular reference to NSW;;
  2. Describe how legal institutions and processes promote or undermine access to justice and law reform for disadvantaged groups in the community;
  3. Identify areas of substantive law which are particularly relevant to social work, community welfare and youth work practice;
  4. Employ advocacy skills using legal knowledge;
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of international human rights instruments and process;
  6. Write a professional report for legal purposes.

Subject Content

An overview of the Australian legal system with particular reference to NSW
Human service work: legal framework for practice
Human service work for courts and tribunals; writing reports for legal purposes, evidence, disclosure of counselling records
Anti discrimination laws; guardianship laws, mental health laws
Criminal justice; victims of crime, disability, prisoners rights
Civil and administrative laws: housing, consumer protect ion, employment, social security, education
Australian and NSW law pertinent to children & families
Young people in the criminal justice system
Advocacy strategies using legal knowledge
The international legal framework ?Sources of international law, international courts and enforcement; examples of the development of human rights instruments
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders?f human rights in Australia: constitutional and common law cases

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report about the Local Court 1,000 words 40 N Individual
Online discussion and reflection 1,000 words 40 N Individual
Case study Exam in class 1 hour 20 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Redfern Legal Centre 2020, The law handbook: your practical guide to law in New South Wales, 15th edn, Thomson Reuters, Pyrmont. https://legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/law-handbook-your-practical-guide-law-nsw

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject