LAWS 3004 Anti-Discrimination Law
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 200654
Coordinator Luke Maroney Opens in new window
Description This subject 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, including responses to discrimination experienced by First Nations people. Starting with a conceptual and historical overview, this subject 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
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your fees 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:
- Identify and analyse legislation and case law relevant to discrimination law and practice.
- 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.
- Communicate effectively, displaying clear and logical structure.
- Ethically and accurately reference legal information from a range of primary and secondary sources using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.
- 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.
| Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Task | 1500 words | 40 | N | Individual | N |
| Presentation | Ongoing throughout semester, in the weeks allocated by the Coordinator | 20 | N | Individual | N |
| Final Exam | 24 hours | 40 | N | Individual | N |
Prescribed Texts
- Neil Rees, Simon Rice and Dominique Allen, Australian Anti-Discrimination Law (Federation Press, 2nd ed, 2014).