LAW5647 Contemporary issues in public policy, regulation and the law

Over the past century, citizens have progressively sought a more civilized and less risky world as well as a stronger economy. As capitalism has deepened, so has regulation grown. Society now appears more concerned than ever about risks, and this leaves governments facing new challenges when making laws and formulating public policies. Many contemporary policy issues exist, such as better regulating finance; ethical food production, enabling a free yet accountable media, controlling 3D printed guns or living with automated road vehicles. All challenge the modern state and its law. Students explore how the concept of 'regulation' has expanded beyond the traditional legal notion of rules promulgated by a sovereign state, to include all tools aiming to alter or control the behaviour of people and other entities. Using case studies from the United States, Australia and Europe, a comparative perspective engages students in critical discussion, analysis and debate on contemporary issues. Students examine theories, concepts and constructs in modern liberal capitalist societies. They also acknowledge the limitations of various traditional hard and soft regulatory regimes as we investigate the function of law in pursuing public policy goals.