Unit of Study LAWS2076 Contemporary Issues in Law I (2026)

Unit description

Provides students with an opportunity to examine, in depth, a contemporary issue in law.  Students will engage with a topical legal subject, exploring areas such as legal rights, social justice, and regulatory changes. Through case studies, discussions, and legal analysis, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of how these legal issues affect individuals, communities, and institutions. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and practical application of legal principles in real-world contexts.

Unit content

Children's Rights and the Law

Students will examine the conceptual and legal frameworks that serve to recognise, protect and uphold children’s rights in Australia, including their operation in practice. By critically analysing three ‘P’s’ – the right to protection, the right to participation, and the right to privacy – in a variety of jurisdictional settings, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the issues that impact how children’s rights are realised (or not) in Australian law. Students will gain critical thinking and research skills, and applied knowledge of how legal principles translate to real-world contexts. (For more information see Summer Law School webpage.)

Module 1: Conceptual and legal overview of children’s rights

Module 2: Right to participation

Module 3: Right to protection

Module 4: Right to privacy