76069 Law and Justice Studies

Description

This subject introduces students to the dynamics of law reform and community engagement. Students experience the practice of community-based law through a placement with a social justice agency. In their placement, students gain experience and understanding of the ethics of practice, the legal needs addressed by the agency, and access to justice issues for disadvantaged individuals and communities. Depending on the requirements of participating organisations students may review and assess the impact of legislation and legislative reforms on vulnerable populations, undertake research and write reports on specific legal issues related to the practice of the agency, interview clients under the supervision of practicing lawyers, develop creative legal education materials and prepare case summaries.

Students develop legal skills such as self-management, a practical understanding of the rules and practice of professional legal responsibility, the practice of ethical behaviour in a social justice context, and collaboration with colleagues, community groups and government agencies. Students develop communication and research skills through undertaking research on complex legal issues to generate appropriate theoretical and practical legal responses.