Law, Justice and Social Change (CRIM20010)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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Law, Justice and Social Change considers the limits and potential of using law to pursue justice and achieve social change.  Through a series of case studies, we critically analyse some of the key goals of law reform (such as access to justice, rights and equality) as well as considering different understanding of justice and what constitutes a just outcome. We also focus on the importance of the process of law reform and having an awareness of its social, historical, cultural and political dynamics. We consider the central role of community organisations in advocating for social and legal change and engage with a range of campaign and inquiries.  

There is also a strong practical component to the subject – students choose a current law reform issue to consider in light of the issues discussed in the subject and interview a staff member from a community legal centre or government body involved in writing a report or submission that advocates for legal change. These organisations have in the past included the Human Rights Law Centre, Youthlaw, Victorian Council of Social Services, YACVic, Liberty Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, JobWatch, Berry Street, the Federation of Community Legal Centres and the Mental Health Legal Centre, amongst others.

Intended learning outcomes

 Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Examine the ways in which law can be seen as both an instrument of positive social change and yet also a means of confirming existing social arrangements and resisting social change
  • Explore theoretical perspectives on law, justice and the community
  • Critically analyse a series of contemporary and historical case studies relating to access to justice, and social change
  • Connect academic debates and frameworks with practice and practical case studies
  • Be aware of the social, political, cultural and historical dynamics of law reform
  • Work productively in groups.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

SOLS20001

Recommended background knowledge

Criminology, Sociology or Socio-Legal Studies at Level 1

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A research assignment

  • 2000 words
Mid semester50%

A research assignment

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorNesam McMillan
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours30 hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Associate Professor Nesam McMillan: nesamcm@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

Total of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025