1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Pandemic Law and Practice

Pandemic Law and Practice (LAWS90199)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online

You’re viewing the 2024 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
March - Online
FeesLook up fees

This subject brings together a number of relevant strands of law at the heart of pandemic response and the public health strategies that are deployed in the face of a global health crisis. It encompasses multiple areas of law, contextualised within historical precedents, human rights and public health law considerations. The subject will explore issues arising from pandemic outbreaks, such as those of COVID-19, SARS, MERS and Ebola, particularly by reference to:

  • Australia’s emergency powers - domestic, national and international;
  • issues arising for the Asia-Pacific region;
  • human rights and privacy issues within a pandemic response, including in relation to testing and test results;
  • regulatory issues;
  • criminal law issues;
  • civil litigation issues; and
  • international trade and IP issues.

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:

  • Have an advanced and integrated understanding of emergency public health strategies and powers;
  • Be an engaged participant in debates regarding human rights and emergency powers;
  • Be able to critically evaluate, examine and analyse the ramifications of pandemic responses for civil and criminal law;
  • Have an understanding of the issues arising from the quest to find a pandemic vaccine;
  • Be able to demonstrate expert judgment and responsibility as a practitioner in the field of public health and emergency law;
  • Have the cognitive and technical skills to interpret relevant legislation and directions.

Generic skills

  • Enhanced competencies in legal analysis;
  • Problem solving abilities, including through the collection and evaluation of information;
  • Capacity to communicate, orally and in writing;
  • Ability to evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge in the area;
  • Capacity for self-directed learning, organisation and time management.
  • Capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;

Last updated: 5 June 2024