Course Title: Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2017
Course Code: LAW5206C
Course Title: Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation
School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5315 - Diploma of 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
Mr Grant Morris
Email: Grant.Morris@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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
Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:
VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
And ONE of the following electives:
VU20867 Support policing processes within justice environment contexts
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of varying sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
LGACOM406A Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation |
Element: |
1. Identify possible breaches |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1Possible breaches are identified through complaint or other means, recorded in accordance with legislative and council requirements and notified to more senior staff. |
Element: |
2. Investigate alleged breaches |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1.Further information is obtained on possible breaches. 2.2.If inspection is authorised, the alleged offending party is notified and a time scheduled for an inspection that is conducted according to council procedures. 2.3.Available information from the inspection is assessed against relevant legislation to determine if a breach has occurred and relevant details are accurately recorded. 2.4.The complainant is advised of investigation outcomes in accordance with council policies and procedures. 2.5 All parties are informed of their rights according to legislation and within appropriate time frames.Resources are determined and accessed |
Element: |
3. Propose appropriate action to achieve compliance |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1.Consultation with the alleged offending party is undertaken to facilitate resolution. 3.2.Options for action are identified to achieve compliance at the earliest date with the least inconvenience to all parties. 3.3.A practical action to achieve compliance is selected as a result of consultation and relevant authorities are notified, where required. |
Element: |
4. Undertake action to achieve compliance |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1.Notices are issued to relevant parties that clearly document breaches and recommend appropriate action to achieve compliance. 4.2.A clear report recommending appropriate action is prepared and submitted to council. 4.3.Proceedings are instigated within the required time frame in terms of required legal procedure. |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Investigate complaints
• Consult alleged offenders
• Issue notices
• Compile reports
Details of Learning Activities
Students will participate in a variety of learning activities and include:
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• Blog/Wiki or other online discussions and participation
• analysis/critique of relevant reading material
• seminars/workshops
• group activities/projects
• group discussion
• research
• independent project based work
• Simulated and/or practical placement.
Teaching Schedule
Week One: Introduction to Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and overview of formative and summative assessments
Week Two: Identification of possible breaches through complaint and other mechanisms
Week Three: Assessment of all relevant information related to breaches of legislation
Week Four: Instigation of processes to investigate breaches of legislation
Week Five: Study week
Week Six: Documentation of breach against legislation
Week Seven: The appropriate processes to advise complainant of investigation outcome
Week Eight: Processes to inform all relevant parties of individual rights according to legislation
Week Nine: Examination of processes and relevant actions to achieve compliance are examined
Week Ten: Practical actions to achieve compliance are examined
Week Eleven: Appropriate documents to achieve compliance are recorded
Week Twelve: Proceedings to achieve compliance are instigated including reports and submissions
Week Thirteen: Revision
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Online resources will generally be made available in blackboard within each online module/session delivered and when required attached to discussion topics posted throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to initiate engagement meetings with the educator as these provide students with feedback and further support.
It is essential that you access the blackboard site at least once a week, as announcements and emails are considered an effective means of communication between educators and students.
Additional recommended readings can be downloaded from the Learning Hub for this subject
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, class discussion, reports, audio-visual presentations, and tests.
Assessment Tasks
A range of formative assessment tasks will be set throughout the semester. It is expected that the student will prove competent in these assessments, and will be given progressive feedback as to the student’s progress.
In order for students to prove competence in this subject, all assessment tasks must be satisfactorily completed in a timely manner.
Formative Assessments:
These will include the following:
• Observations of simulated work practices related to breaches of legislation
• Progressive knowledge tests on relevant legislation
Summative Assessments:
These will include the following:
• Documentation/reports for processes to initiate actions on breaches of legislation (70%)
• Knowledge test (30%)
Assessment Matrix
This is available via MyRMIT/Studies
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:
Assessment Grading Table
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, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of 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:
- For a CERTIFICATE IV each written assessment task/s – up to 1500 words, 3 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
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 justice.ve.assignments@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 RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters:
Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level and by the DUE DATE. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by a due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
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 your 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 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 will not be granted where the relevant Course 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.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by Course coordinators or individual educators.
Longer extensions
Extension of time longer than 7 days can only be granted through special consideration.
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.
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.
Penalty for late submissions:
For assignments 1 to 10 days late, a penalty of 10% (of the marks awarded) per day will apply. For assignments more than 10 days late, a penalty of 100% will apply. Weekend days (Saturday and Sunday) are considered when counting total late days for electronic submissions but not for hardcopy submissions.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
All assessment items are to be submitted with a University Assessment Coversheet. Students are responsible for ensuring they complete all sections of the Cover Sheet and that they have agreed to the Academic Integrity Declaration.
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.
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:
- You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
- You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
- 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://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to 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://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/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 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y (unresolved)
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.comComplaints 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