Handbook

This subject examines key areas of law as they impact on children and young people in Australia. Drawing on historical and comparative perspectives, it explores how legal developments have been influenced by changes in social ideas about children and childhood. The course considers children as both participants in and subjects of legal processes, with an over-arching focus on children’s human rights and the extent to which these rights are upheld or undermined in contemporary Australian society. Specific topic areas include child protection, juvenile justice, education, medical decision-making, legal representation and children as witnesses. The course encourages a broad understanding of children and young people's engagement with the law.