2007 Handbooks

This unit studies the history, current status, and future prospects of human rights law in Australia.

After an overview of jurisprudential aspects of human rights, and of international human rights treaties and mechanisms, students evaluate three principal sources (actual and possible) of human rights in Australian law: the common law, the Constitution, and domestic legislation. Students analyse the extent to which opportunities have been taken, lost or avoided for developing legal protection of human rights in Australia across a wide range of activity and interests in society. In doing so students consider case law, social policy, and Australia's relationship with the international human rights system.

As well, the Australian context is illustrated by comparative reference to the position in analogous jurisdictions such as New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom.