LAW4163 · Parents, children and the state

Overview

Examines legislative structures for resolving disputes between parents, children and State child welfare authorities and the difficulties which arise as the result of the divided Commonwealth/State responsibility. Examines creation of families and parent-child relationships, common law and statutory principles governing rights and responsibilities of parents, particularly the provisions of Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Examines paramountcy of 'best interests of the child' and relevant considerations.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and evaluate a knowledge of the common law and statutory principles which govern the relations between parents and children and between children, parents and the State and develop some understanding of the way in which these laws operate in practice
2. analyse and interpret the jurisdictional issues and legal procedures relevant to the determination of such disputes
3. research and evaluate theoretical and critical debates about the laws governing parents and children and the adequacy of current laws and procedures
4. communicate effectively and persuasively on issues relevant to family law
5. evaluate and reflect on some of the skills necessary for practice in this area of the law and recognize ethical issues they may encounter in practice
6. learn and work autonomously and use feedback to improve their own capabilities and performance

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.