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.

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 protection, 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.