LAWS6368: Semester 1b, 2025

Overview

This unit outlines and analyses different aspects of anti-money laundering (AML), confiscation of criminal assets, and the impact of such regulation. AML and proceeds of crime powers attract extensive attention at the international (eg FATF), European (eg EU), and national (eg Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC); Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision) levels. This unit explores the anti-assets strategy to tackling crime, including financially motivated crime and deviance. This unit will critically examine different aspects of AML regulation, as well as methods of ML. Relevant topics will include: the development of the international AML regime; ML in particular sectors; money laundering offences; suspicious activity; risk and de-risking; and confiscation of criminal assets. Where appropriate, different case studies will be used to explore these issues. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Available to law graduates only
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Colin King, colin.king1@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 24 April 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Presentation (5%) In-class presentation	0%	Ongoing	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	(Alternative) Capstone Presentation (20%) Capstone presentation	0%	Week -01 Due date: 05 Apr 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 05 Apr 2025	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Short-release Country Assessment (20%) Written report	0%	Week 01 Due date: 10 Apr 2025 at 11:59 Closing date: 17 Apr 2025	1000 words / 96 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Draft Research Essay Focus (0%) Essay title	0%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Apr 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 10 Apr 2025	20 words/ 72 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Short-release Annotated Bibliography (10%) Written submission	0%	Week 02 Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Apr 2025	1000 word / 72 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research Essay (65%) Written submission	0%	Week 03 Due date: 01 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 May 2025	5000 words / 3 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	(Alternative) Capstone Essay (80%) The Capstone is an alternative assessment required to complete the LLM	0%	Week 03 Due date: 01 May 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 29 May 2025	7000 words / 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Presentation (5%): Students must deliver a presentation and facilitate discussion over 15 minutes of class time (depending on class size). This task is integral to the unit and is designed to test students’ understanding of the subject matter and their ability to think and respond using appropriate discourse on the spot - a crucial skill in law and policy. When not presenting, students are expected to contribute to the Q&A. Information on topics will be available on the Canvas page in advance (examples include: a case study of a money laundering scheme/investigation in my country; AML in a particular (named) sector).

Short-release Country assessment (20%): Students will complete 1000 words critically evaluate the anti-money laundering regime and/or AML developments in a nominated country. They are expected to analyse the legal framework and its implementation in practice, drawing upon appropriate official sources. The country assessment topics will be released on the canvas on 5 April 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time) and the deadline for submission will be 10 April at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time).

Short-release Annotated Bibliography (10%): Students will create an annotated bibliography (1,000 words maximum – no footnotes) listing and critiquing academic literature relating to a given topic. Students are expected to evaluate the literature to help other researchers studying money laundering law (e.g. by considering any ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of the literature). For the avoidance of doubt, material in this assessment can be re-used in the research essay. Annotated bibliography topics will be assigned on 12 April 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time) and the deadline for submission will be 15 April 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time).

Draft Research Essay Focus (0%): It will be possible to choose your own essay focus – subject to the approval of the unit convenor. Students must submit their essay title (max. 20 words) by 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time) on 7 April 2025. The essay focus will address your own topic, which must be approved by Prof. Colin King.

Research Essay (65%): Students will complete a 5,000-word essay on a given topic. Research Essay topics will be released on the canvas on 10 April 2025 at 9:00am (Sydney, Australia time) and the deadline for submission will be 1 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time).

(Alternative) Capstone (100%): This research-based task is an alternative assessment for students who wish to undertake a capstone to fulfil the requirements of the Master of Laws. Students must complete the two [2] capstone components:

**NOTE, if you would like this unit to be assessed as a ‘capstone’ you MUST contact the convenor in advance of the unit commencing (deadline: 31 March 2025). No exceptions can be made to this deadline, for unit planning purposes.**

Capstone Presentation (20%): Students must deliver a presentation and facilitate discussion over 30 minutes of class time (depending on class size). Depending on the number of capstone presentations, this might be a group presentation (ie a maximum of 2 students per group). This task is integral to the unit and is designed to test students’ understanding of the subject matter and their ability to think and respond using appropriate discourse on the spot - a crucial skill in law and policy. When not presenting, students are expected to contribute to the Q&A. For the avoidance of doubt, material in this presentation can be re-used in the capstone essay. The capstone presentations will be on day 2 of the intensive unit i.e. 5 April 2025.

Capstone Essay (80%): Students will need to independently identify and critically analyse a complex legal issue related to money laundering and proceeds of crime, demonstrate extensive research using primary and secondary sources, and construct a persuasive, well-structured argument within a 7000 word limit, meeting the academic and professional standards expected at the postgraduate level. The capstone essay will be due on 1 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time).

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will include all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see Guide to Grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof. For example, a submission after the due time specified in the assessment summary but by 11:59pm on the due date will attract a 10% penalty. A submission after midnight of the due date will attract a 20% penalty. A submission on the following day after midnight will attract a 30% penalty, and so on. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Day 1 : How (not to) launder $10 million; ML typologies; Money laundering and corruption and Development of the international AML regime.	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week -01	Day 2: National developments; AML and banks; Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions; Risk and de-risking and student presentations.	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	Day 3: Confiscation of assets - Criminal and Civil; What should happen confiscated assets? and International cooperation.	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	Day 4: Effectiveness; student presentations and essay Q discussion.	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

English et al, Federal Proceeds of Crime Law (Thoomson Reuters 2024).

King et al (eds), The Palgrave Handbook of Criminal and Terrorism Financing Law (Palgrave 2018).

van Duyne et al (eds), The Critical Handbook of Money Laundering (Palgrave 2018).

Unger et al (eds), Research Handbook on Money Laundering (Edward Elgar, 2013).

Stessens, Money Laundering: A New International Law Enforcement Model (Cambridge UP, 2000).

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe the historical developments, modern criminal justice policy, and the contexts in which money laundering takes place.
LO2. categorise different aspects of money laundering by the theoretical and practical challenges in anti-money laundering regulation.
LO3. summarise contemporary money laundering case-studies, identify relevant issues and report on the ethical challenges (including ethical decision-making processes) faced by law enforcement and compliance officials.
LO4. research and critically evaluate national law(s) and practice in the context of the development of global anti-money laundering regulation.
LO5. apply research and academic writing skills to identify and analyse the potential for anti-money laundering law reform.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is taught for the first time.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 06 Mar 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LAWS6368: Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime

Semester 1b, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect