International Law and Children's Rights

Subject LAWS70120 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

July, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof John Tobin

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Part one of this subject will involve a general discussion of:

  • The notion of children's rights
  • The international framework for the protection of children's rights, with particular emphasis on the Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • The factors that impact on the implementation of the Convention, both in Australia and overseas.

Part two will involve an examination of specific issues relevant to children and how the Convention and a rights-based analysis can be used to respond to these issues. Issues will be drawn from areas such as:

  • Sexual exploitation including trafficking, prostitution and pornography
  • Child labour
  • Juvenile justice
  • Child refugees
  • Violence against children
  • Children in armed conflict
  • HIV/AIDS and children
  • Child poverty and homelessness.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Be able to understand and critically assess the concept of children's rights
  • Be aware of what it means to adopt a rights-based approach to matters involving children
  • Be able to recognise the impact of cultural, social and political factors on the implementation of children's rights
  • Be conversant with and able to critically evaluate the international framework for the protection of children's rights
  • Be aware of and able to critically assess the measures taken in Australia and other jurisdictions to implement this international framework
  • Be able to understand how to use this international framework in domestic courts, policy formulation and law making.
Assessment:

Take-home examination (100%) (17-20 September)
or
10,000 word research paper (100%) (25 October) on a topic approved by the subject coordinator
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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