LAW4230 · Animal law

Overview

This unit examines the ways in which Australian law defines and regulates the relationship between human and non-human animals. It introduces you to the key legal and ethical principles and regulatory regimes that relate to our treatment of animals. The unit examines the historical status of animals in law and considers competing philosophical theories and stakeholder interests that motivate the evolution of law in respect of animals. You will analyse a selection of regulatory regimes under Australian state and federal law that apply to our interactions with animals, which may include: animals in scientific experimentation, in sport and entertainment, and in agriculture; the live export industry; companion animals; and wild animals. Although the primary focus of the unit will be upon the law in Australia, where relevant this will be compared to overseas jurisdictions.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of the principles and objectives underlying the regulatory schemes that apply to our treatment of animals;
2. Critically analyse policies and objectives in light of ethical considerations and jurisprudence and relate them to proposals for law reform;
3. Collaborate and communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively on issues relevant to the understanding of Animal Law;
4. Apply skills in legal reasoning and argumentation to animal law issues.

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.