LAWS 3004 Anti-Discrimination Law

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 200654

Coordinator Luke Maroney Opens in new window

Description This unit provides students with a practical understanding of Australian anti-discrimination and equality law, including relevant state and federal legislation, and significant cases. It encourages the development of critical perspectives on the operation and effectiveness of existing regulatory responses to discrimination. Starting with a conceptual and historical overview, this unit considers the key grounds/attributes, types of conduct, and activities (areas of public life) that are protected under current Australian anti-discrimination law. Relevant defences, exceptions and exemptions are also considered, along with procedural requirements for bringing a discrimination complaint, remedies and costs.

School Law

Discipline Business and Commercial Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2008

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Identify and analyse legislation and case law relevant to discrimination law and practice.
  2. Apply law to factual scenarios to provide advice about strengths and weaknesses of actions and defences, likely outcomes of litigation and the merits of litigating.
  3. Write effectively, displaying clear and logical structure.
  4. Ethically and accurately reference legal information from a range of primary and secondary sources using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.
  5. Construct arguments by reference to appropriate evidence, authority and alternative perspectives.

Subject Content

Introduction
Historical Context
Definition of Discrimination
Grounds or Attributes
Areas of Unlawful Discriminatory Activity
General Exemptions
Harassment
Incitement
Racial, Homosexual and HIV or AIDS Vilification
Victimisation
Advertisements
Machinery, Procedure and Remedies

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
Problem Scenario Question 1500 words 40 N Individual
Quiz 30 minutes 20 N Individual
Take Home Examination 24 hours 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Neil Rees, Simon Rice and Dominique Allen, Australian Anti-Discrimination Law (Federation Press, 2nd ed, 2014).

Teaching Periods

Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Weekend

Subject Contact Luke Maroney Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject