Course Title: Apply foundation legal principles
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2015
Course Code: JUST5724
Course Title: Apply foundation legal principles
School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4323 - Certificate IV in Justice
Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581
Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Georgy Dumas
Email: georgy.dumas@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 70
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Nil
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to apply various aspects of law and jurisdiction processes and procedures relevant to working within the Victorian criminal justice system. You will be provided an introduction to the Victorian and Australian legal system including the Constitution; legislative and law making bodies; adjudication and enforcement.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles |
Element: |
1. Investigate the origins and the sources of State and Federal law and their application to the Victorian Justice environment.
|
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Australian law prior to federation is delineated. |
Element: |
2. Explore the function, operation and jurisdiction of Victorian Courts and Tribunals within the Australian Court system
|
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Structure and jurisdiction of the Victorian courts and tribunals are delineated. |
Element: |
3. Explore the role of Administrative law in the Victorian Justice system.
|
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Principles of natural justice are analysed. |
Element: |
4. Identify and apply appropriate elements of the Victorian legal system to current/potential Justice Environment job roles.
|
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Application of the law, its functions and processes within current/potential justice environment job roles is delineated and practiced |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements and also;
• Provide the application of law, functions and processes of the Victorian legal system relevant to current/potential justice environment job roles
• Demonstrate the application of correct etiquette and protocols for attendance/appearance at Victorian courts and/or tribunals
• Apply the knowledge of powers and functions of law, law courts and sub‐ ordinate authorities of the civil, criminal and administrative components of the Victorian legal system
Details of Learning Activities
You will participate in a variety of learning activities in class. Your in class activities will incorporate simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and student-led group discussions that focus on problem-solving and knowledge building skills relevant to identifying and responding to applications of law. You will exemplify your contextualising of class topics, and validate your learning with in class participation and integrated synthesised activities that will be supported by extended topic research, readings and case studies.
Teaching Schedule
Week One: Introduction to Course and expected outcomes, Course guides issued and discussed with students.
Australian law, types and sources of law, statutory interpretations (definitions)
Week Two: Federal and State system of government, Constitutional powers and limitations – Commonwealth and State, separation of powers
Week Three: Commonwealth and State Parliament structure/functions, law making through Parliament and Statutory authorities.
Week Four: Law making through the courts, statutory interpretations
Formative assessment 1
Week Five: Aims and element of civil law and its application to the Victorian justice environment
Week Six: Process of civil action and appeals
Week Seven: Aims and elements of criminal law and its applications
Week Eight: Process of criminal action and appeals
Week Nine: Therapeutic justice. Application of the law
Formative assessment 2.
Issue of instructions of final assessment tasks and discussions of criteria.
Week Ten: Principles of natural justice, aims and element of Administrative law and its applications
Week Eleven: Grounds for review or challenges in court, legislative and common law provisions
Week Twelve: Practical exercises on court protocols
Formative assessment 3
Week Thirteen: Structure and jurisdiction of Victorian Courts and Tribunals. Function and responsibilities of the parties
Week Fourteen: Justice Procedural Camp (JPC). Simulations and practical exercises on court procedures, etiquette and protocols. Moot court practice
Summative assessment 1 (graded)
Week Fifteen: Application of appropriate elements of Victorian legal system to job roles in justice. Application of the law
Week Sixteen: Application of appropriate skills, knowledge and attitudes for conducting job roles in the legal context
Week Seventeen: Revision of course material. Discussion of draft final assignment
Week Eighteen: Written examination (Summative assessment 2 (graded))
NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Attendance -
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
We expect that students engage in learning through a combination of lectures, individual reading and study, meaningful feedback on written work and structured activities that encourage critical thinking and the development of discipline specific knowledge and practical skills.
Students are active participants and this course prioritises learning by doing. It is essential that students take ownership of their studies and work on developing skills as independent learners in time allocated away from lectures and class time.
As a student you need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.
You will be required to sign an attendance sheet and if you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to advise your educator and complete any written tasks that may have been allocated.
Students are required to carefully plan and use their time productively and submit assessments as required. All assessments tasks should be researched and drafted well in advance of the set submission dates.
The course will use blended learning techniques, including; lectures, discussions, activities in class and learner directed activities supported by a range of resources available in class and on Blackboard system
Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT
Student Progress -
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Carvan, J., (2010)’Understanding the Australian Legal System,’ Thomson Reuters (Professional Australia Limited) Pyrmont NSW |
References
All required readings and case studies will be available either: |
Other Resources
Class handouts
Approved web sites for research material
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including quizzes, case studies, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, group/individual training workshops, audio-visual presentations, formative writing and exams.
Formative Assessments (Ungraded fortnightly formative assessments)
Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the application of knowledge and understanding of legal principles, processes and procedures relevant to working in the justice system through ungraded fortnightly formative assessments. Students will receive immediate feedback after the formative assessments and remedial training as appropriate.
Summative Assessments:
A research project on Natural Justice (Graded summative assessment)
Moot Court simulated exercise (Graded summative assessment)
Short answer questions on application of the law, function and processes of the legal system, powers and functions of law and subordinate authorities
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca
Assessment Tasks
All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course.
• Formative assessments 1, 2 and 3 will consist of short answer questions to exams on the performance criteria of the applicable elements. Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback and make adjustments/improvements to the areas they are not competent in as a form of ongoing monitoring of their progress
• Summative assessment 1 (graded) will constitute 15% of the final grade. This assessment task comprises a practical application of correct procedures, protocols and etiquette for attendance/appearance at Victorian Courts consistent with job roles in the justice environment
• Summative assessment 2 (graded) will constitute 40% of the final grade. This assessment comprises a written report on natural justice and the grounds for review of administrative decisions by government authorities and courts.
• Summative assessment 3, (graded) will constitute 45% of the total mark. This assessment comprises short answer questions on the origins and the sources of State and Federal Law and their application, the function operation and jurisdiction of Victorian Courts and Tribunals.
Comprehensive assessment outlines will be issued and discussed with students in class/and or through Blackboard throughout the course
Students must achieve competency IN ALL assessment tasks to PASS this subject.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Grading Table
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did not Submit for Assessment
Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment
Assessment Deadlines
Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date; it must be submitted into the Assessment Box on level 2, in Building 37 with a signed cover sheet, or electronically submitted into the Justice VET email box with an electronically attached cover sheet, by close of business on the day the submission is due.
Assessment Format
A major part of your course requires writing, for essays, research and reports. ALL Justice VE educators will expect you to maintain a high standard of presentation in your writing. These standards include the following:
1. For a CERTIFICATE IV written assessment task/s – no less than 1500 words, 3 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission (advdipjusticeassignments@rmit.edu.au). Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).
If you have any difficult with understanding or completing these writing standards, please speak with your Educator or the Program Manager.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration, appeals and discipline :
In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.
• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
You must keep a copy of their assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.
An extension of up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by Course coordinators or individual educators.
Coordinator/Program Manager is not satisfied that the student took reasonable measures to avoid the circumstances that contributed to the student being unable to submit the progressive assessment.
Longer extensions
Extensions of time longer than 7 days can only be granted through special consideration
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Assignment Submissions:
The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.
The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 5% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.
Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.
Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
Hardcopy: you must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy.
E-Submission: you will complete an e-Declaration for every piece of work submitted online.
The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Retention of Assessments
The University is required to retain all essays, assignments, and other assessment materials for a minimum of six months from the date of issue of results.
At the completion of the six-month period, students can collect their assessments by prior arrangement with their Educator in Building 37, level 4, room 13.
In the event that assessment material is not collected within the time period, it will be destroyed. Material that relates to appeals that have not yet been finally determined will not destroyed.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf
Course Overview: Access Course Overview