LAW5463 Children's law in action

Using a child centered approach, follow the development of legal issues that impact upon children as they grow. Examine the evolution of modes of legal representation for children starting with the role of an independent children's lawyer in family law proceedings. As children grow, their legal rights develop as do their legal responsibilities. Explore how this can involve state interference in the family unit through child welfare laws and the cross jurisdictional issues that can arise from this involvement especially in relation to criminal law and intervention order matters. Students will examine the transition to independence and the common law and statutory principles governing rights and responsibilities of children. The unit will explore the various laws that directly affect children and the specialized approach to resolving these issues. The unit will take a practice oriented approach requiring students to hone their oral as well as written advocacy and legal drafting skills.