LAWS 2007 First Peoples and the Australian Legal System

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200944

Coordinator Lynda Holden Opens in new window

Description First Peoples and the Australian Legal System provides students with a grounding in the central legal issues associated with the historical and contemporary interaction of First Peoples with the Australian legal system.

School Law

Discipline Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 1006 OR
LAWS 1003 AND
LAWS 1008 OR
LAWS 1009

Equivalent Subjects LAWS 2009 - Indigenous Australians and the Law

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Critically examine historical and contemporary legal and social policies affecting First Peoples and the Australian legal system.
  2. Evaluate the impact of the Australian legal system on First Peoples and their laws.
  3. Critically evaluate an aspect of law, policy or practice in relation to First Peoples and the Australian legal system.
  4. Communicate clearly and persuasively.

Subject Content

First Peoples - People - Customary law
The Law of the Colonisers: - Histories and Government Policies - Genocide
The Law of the Colonisers: - Histories and Government Policies - Assimilation and stolen generations
Land and Culture: - Land rights - Native Title - Cultural heritage and intellectual property
Equality: - Racial Discrimination - Criminal Justice - Child Welfare
Autonomy and the Future: - Indigenous Governance - Self-determination - Reconciliation

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.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Research paper 2,500 words 50 N Individual
Take home examination 2,500 words 50 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Larissa Behrendt et al, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Relations (Oxford University Press, 2nd ed, 2018)

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject