Australia’s First Nations peoples and the Law

Unit code: AEK7003 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
VU Online
Prerequisites
LJD7001 - Legal Research Methods and Statutory Interpretation
LJD7002 - Australian Legal Systems
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit students will critically examine the experiences and rights of First Nations peoples in Australia within the context of historical and contemporary Australian law and society. The unit investigates laws and policies related to Indigenous identity, including constitutional recognition, Native Title, and customary law, from both historical and current perspectives. Students will critically review key issues such as land rights, personal property rights, equality, and the relationship between First Nations peoples and the criminal justice system. The unit cross-examines the role of international law. Additionally, the unit analyses areas of law reform, such as human rights, self-determination, reconciliation, treaty, and the broader quest for justice for Australia’s First Nations peoples and their communities.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse and integrate advanced knowledge of the common law, constitutional, and statutory frameworks as they apply to Australia's First Nations peoples.
  2. Evaluate complex human rights issues affecting Australia's First Nations peoples, historically and in contemporary contexts, to develop innovative legal strategies and responses that promote justice and reconciliation.
  3. Explicate complex legal and policy issues affecting Australia's First Nations peoples, drawing on comparative analyses of international approaches to influence law reform and policy development.
  4. Justify strategies for enhancing legal recognition, self-determination, and equality for Australia's First Nations peoples, demonstrating a high level of autonomy, accountability, and leadership in advancing Indigenous rights within the Australian legal framework.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 10%
Group Work: Human Rights Frameworks and Australia’s First Nations Peoples
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 40%
Legal Scenarios Involving Australia’s First Nations Peoples
Assessment type: Research Paper
|
Grade: 50%
Legal Reforms to Support Australia’s First Nations Peoples

Required reading

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Relations
Behrendt et al, 2019 | Oxford University Press

Specialist materials will also be made available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Juris Doctor
LMJD | Masters degree (extended) | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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