LEGAL RIGHTS, POVERTY AND LEGAL SERVICES

LAW3RPS

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

The scope and limits of improving access to justice are explored in this subject. The capacity of individuals to enjoy their rights is discussed. The various approaches to delivering legal services for the poor and disadvantaged are critically analysed. A major focus is the development of Australia's community legal centres within the context of the Australian legal aid system. The current trends in the provision of legal aid services are examined and evaluated. Comparisons are made with developments in the USA, UK and Canada.

School: La Trobe Law School

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Mary Anne Noone

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: LAW1LIM and completed a minimum of 120cp of LAW% subjects

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: LAW2RPS

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: Available to Bachelor of Laws students as a law elective

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsLawyers in Conflict Australian Lawyers and Legal AidPrescribedNoone M.A & Tomsen S.FEDERATION PRESS 2006

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. identify, analyse and discuss the factors that impact on how the poor and disadvantaged enforce or defend their rights and entitlements

Activities:
Reading Exercises Written assignment Take home exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Describe, analyse and assess the merits of the various models of providing legal services to the poor and disadvantaged both domestically and internationally

Activities:
Reading Exercises Written assignment Take home exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. describe and evaluate the current state of the Australian legal aid system, including legal aid commissions, community legal centres and the private profession

Activities:
Reading Exercises Written assignment Take home exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)

04. discuss and analyse the role of the legal profession in improving access to justice

Activities:
Reading Exercises Written assignment Take home exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Mary Anne Noone

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Tutorial on same day as lecture"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 1,800 word written assignment4001, 03
one reading exercise (300 words)1001, 02, 03, 04
one 2,000-word take-home exam5002, 03, 04