CONTACT CSU

LAW531 Law for the Human Services (8)

Abstract

Employing a problem-based learning approach, this subject concentrates on the foundational laws and legal issues required by graduates working in the broad field of human services. Incorporating the twin themes of rights and justice, key topics include the legal environment and professional responsibility and accountability. Particular emphasis is given to the ways in which graduates might employ mechanisms that positively influence legal processes and outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Session 2
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: LAW531
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment restrictions

Not for students who have successfully completed LAW211

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the legal system and issues relevant to professional practice in the human services
- be able to recognise legal issues and problems in practice
- be able to demonstrate individual and group problem solving skills by application of relevant legal knowledge
- be able to recognise and demonstrate an understanding of mechanisms that positively influence legal processes and outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged people
be able to demonstrate judgment as to the appropriate role of the human service worker in relation to the legal system and their client(s)
- be able to critically evaluate and engage in the wider legal, ethical, social policy debates central to the human services in Australia, including reform of the law

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
The Australian legal environment - sources of Australian law - court systems and structures - law making and law changing - understanding and interpreting laws - the Common Law and human rights - introduction to administrative law and natural justice - legal services and access to justice - mediation and alternative dispute resolution Professional responsibility and accountability - professional privilege and client information: privacy, confidentiality, record keeping, FOI - court reports and the expert witness - duty of care - professional and organisational codes of ethics - conflict of interest and professional misconduct

Back

The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.