Course coordinator
Dr Stevie Martin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course is a critical examination of the legal and social issues that arise in the practice of human rights law. It draws comparisons between Australian law and law in other jurisdictions, particularly the United States and Europe. The course seeks to develop students' skills in critical analysis by encouraging them to reflect on the role of human rights law within democratic societies, and whether human rights law has the capability to solve complex social problems.
This course is a detailed examination of human rights law, with a domestic focus.
Comparisons will be made between international human rights cases and Australian laws on similar issues.
You will be required to reflect on the influence that the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) has had on our local legal landscape.
You will have a chance to evaluate whether a federal Human Rights Act would have a positive effect on Australian law, and to analyse the effectiveness of current Commonwealth law in protecting human rights.
An important, but often overlooked, area of human rights law is anti-discrimination law, and we will consider this important tool for protecting the rights of vulnerable people.
You will be required to apply the human rights law you learn to a range of Australian human rights issues, particularly those that are under-acknowledged and under-publicised, and you will learn what it means to take a 'rights-based approach' to legal practice.
The course is running as an intensive, which will enable us to immerse ourselves in the study and application of Australian human rights law, particularly as pertains in Queensland.
You will be assessed on your understanding of the legal landscape applicable to human rights issues, your ability to identify such issues, and your wider appreciation of the (dys)function of human rights as a tool for protecting individual interests, particularly those of vulnerable individuals.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(LAWS1703 + ((2700 + 2701) or 2708) + 3700 + 3701); or (LAWS1115 + 1116 + 2113 + 2114 + 2115)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LAWS7124
Restrictions
LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) dual programs.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Stevie Martin
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is running as an intensive between 29 September and 3 October. There will be pre-reading that students are required to complete prior to the commencement of the intensive.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
- To introduce students toﾠdomesticﾠhuman rights law;
- To examine international human rights law on select topics, and to compare this with Australian law and policy;
- To introduce students to a number of human rights organisations and courts, examining their functions, powers and limitations;
- To assist students to develop skills in critical analysis, legal argument and written communication;
- To assist students to develop an understanding of the impacts of the law on vulnerable groupsﾠincluding children, prisoners, Indigenous people and people experiencing poverty and homelessness; and
- To encourage students to develop an interest in social justice issues, and to cultivate a social justice framework in preparation for legal practice.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of human rights laws (including anti-discrimination laws) and be able to apply them in domestic legal situations.
LO2.
Determine the kinds of remedies that are available to defend human rights in a variety of domestic legal situations.
LO3.
Appreciate the manner in which the law impacts upon vulnerable groups in Australia.
LO4.
Work in a team to develop skills in human rights lawyering.
LO5.
To engage in comparative legal analysis by comparing Queensland law with Australian and international human rights law.
LO6.
Apply a 'rights-based' approach to legal practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Pre-course assessment
|
15% |
22/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Reflection
|
15% |
3/10/2025 3:30 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
ALRC submission
|
30% |
7/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Judgment writing exercise
|
40% |
5/11/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Pre-course assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/09/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L05
Task description
Students will be asked to write a brief essay (no more than 1000 words) on one of the readings set for completion prior to the commencement of the intensive. The essay is due the Monday before the intensive commences. The function of the assessment is to get students thinking critically about a central issue in human rights law in Australia and to formulate their own arguments in respect of same. The essay question will be made available at the start of the term, allowing students ample time to complete the set readings and the essay. Submission will be via Blackboard. Referencing must be in accordance with the AGLC. There is a 10 per cent leeway for the word limit (i.e. students may submit an essay of 1100 words). But anything more than 1100 words will not be read. References count towards the word limit.
AI
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Blackboard - details will be provided.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Reflection
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
3/10/2025 3:30 pm
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Students will be asked to reflect on what they have learnt during the intensive. To consider the ways in which their understandings of human rights law have evolved and to provide their views on what more can be done to ensure that rights operate effectively and achieve that which they purport to do (if, indeed, they can). Students will be asked to consider how, if at all, their knowledge of human rights law has or is likely to shift their approach to law more generally. This reflection will be completed in-person on the Friday afternoon of the intensive.
AI
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission is online, via Blackboard but will occur in-person on the final day of the intensive.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
As the submission will take place in-person, extension should only occur in the event of an absence, in which case students should arrange an alternative submission process with the course coordinator (for instance, a discussion akin to a viva voce with the course coordinator). The word limit for the reflection is 1000 words. There is a 10 per cent leeway for the word limit (i.e. students may submit an reflection of 1100 words). But anything more than 1100 words will not be read. Any references (which are not expected given the nature of the assessment) count towards the word limit.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
ALRC submission
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
7/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will be allocated to groups on the first day of the intensive and time set aside on the Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to work on this project together (with a final submission prepared by the group and submitted via Blackboard by 5pm on the Tuesday after the conclusion the intensive (i.e Tuesday 7 October)). The submission will invite students to think critically about an area of human rights law in Australia that requires amendment/development. Students will be provided with the details of the assessment on the first Monday of the intensive. They will be given a choice of two topics to consider, which will relate to content covered during the first two days of the intensive. The word limit is 2000 words. Submission will be via Blackboard. Referencing must be in accordance with the AGLC. There is a 10 per cent leeway for the word limit (i.e. students may submit an essay of 2200 words). But anything more than 2200 words will not be read. References count towards the word limit.
AI
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submissions must be uploaded electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%
Judgment writing exercise
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
5/11/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L06
Task description
Students will be presented with a fact scenario and asked to assume the role of judge, and determine the issue - writing a judgment outlining their conclusion and reasons for same. The function of such an exercise is to take students away from the typical problem-question structure, which can result in a very narrow focus, arguing for one outcome, without contemplating the range of alternative perspectives and potentials. Such a task "asks the student to assume the position of a judge and to decide the case. The student is subsequently assessed not only on their understanding of the law, but also on their ability to use reason to conclude the case in the face of law’s indeterminacy" (Goold, P. (2022). The Legal Judgment: A Novel Twist on the Classic Law School Problem Question. The Law Teacher, 56(3), pp. 368-383). Students will complete judgment writing exercises throughout the intensive, and will, consequently, have experience with this mode of assessment.
AI
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard with instructions to be provided.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Seminar |
Seminars The seminar topics are:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: