Outline

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

Coordinator	Roger Magnusson, roger.magnusson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Roger Magnusson, roger.magnusson@sydney.edu.au

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	[Choice 1 & Choice 2] Oral presentation (20%) In-class presentation on one of the scheduled intensive teaching dates	0%	Multiple weeks	10-15 min presentation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 1 & Choice 2] Short response (20%) Short written assignment	0%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 12 Apr 2024	2000 words / 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 3] Research plan for 40% Research essay Research plan	0%	Week 10 Due date: 03 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 03 May 2024	600-800 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 1] Research plan for 80% Research essay Research plan	0%	Week 11 Due date: 10 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 10 May 2024	600-800 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 3] Research Essay 1 (40%) Research paper; wide choice of topics	0%	Week 11 Due date: 10 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 07 Jun 2024	3500 words / 11 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 1] Research Essay (80%) Research paper; wide choice of topics	0%	Week 12 Due date: 17 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 14 Jun 2024	6000 words / 12 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 2 & Choice 3] Research plan for 60% Research essay (compulsory) Research plan	0%	Week 12 Due date: 17 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 17 May 2024	600-800 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	[Choice 2 & Choice 3] Research Essay (60%) Research paper; wide choice of topics	0%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 14 Jun 2024	4500 words / 13 weeks
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

CHOICE 1

CHOICE 2

CHOICE 3

1. Complete a 10-15 minute in-class presentation on a topic chosen from a list. (20%)

2. Submit a 2000-word short answer response to a topic chosen from a list. (20%)

AND

3. Submit an essay plan.

AND

4. Submit a 6,000-word research essay (80%).

1. Complete a 10-15 minute in-class presentation on a topic chosen from a list. (20%).

AND

2. Submit a 2000-word short answer response to a topic chosen from a list. (20%).

AND

3. Submit an essay plan.

AND

4. Submit a 4,500-word research essay. (60%).

1. Submit an essay plan.

AND

2. Submit a 3,500-word research essay. (40%).

AND

3. Submit an essay plan.

AND

4. Submit a 4,500-word research essay. (60%).

Students must choose either “ASSESSMENT CHOICE 1, 2 OR 3” as shown below, and complete the elements within it.

ASSESSMENT CHOICE 1

Complete 1 OR 2, AND 3 AND 4 below

1. In-class presentation. (20%). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due dates: In-class presentations will be scheduled during the intensive teaching days: 8 March, 8-9 April 2024, depending on the topic. There will be limited sessions available for in-class presentations. Students who are unable to be accommodated will be required to submit their presentation as a recorded mp4 file.

The in-class presentation asks you to engage and reflect on particular issues in public health law highlighted in this unit. Presentations are an important and useful way to build your understanding of a topic and are an important and necessary skill for legal practice.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic from the list provided on Canvas.
Prepare a one (1) page summary of what you will present that identifies main themes, issues you will discuss, key arguments (where relevant) and your conclusions.

This summary helps to ensure that the presentation is focused and relevant to the chosen topic.

Prepare a 10-15 minute presentation that addresses the selected topic.

Your presentation can include a maximum of four (4) slides. You should be prepared to answer questions from your audience at the end of the presentation.

During each 10-15 minute presentation, you will be required to articulate your understanding of the chosen topic, demonstrating your ability to engage with legal and public health concepts. Class presentation topics will vary and each topic may require you to identify or discuss specific issues.

There are limited presentation spots available, and students who cannot be accommodated during class will be required to present their work by recording and submitting an mp4 presentation.

2. Short response. (20%; 2,000 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due dates: 22 March 2024 (Wk 5).

The short response assignment asks you to reflect on and engage with specific issues covered in the unit. The short answer response serves as a valuable opportunity for you to consolidate your understanding of key themes in public health law and to receive constructive feedback which will be crucial for your success in subsequent assessments.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Prepare a 2,000-word response to the question where you
- Address the central question(s) of the chosen topic.
- Describe how you have critically evaluated the primary sources of public health law – provide more than a description.
- Take an evaluative or normative stance in your response demonstrating your capacity to engage in critical evaluation.
Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

3. Research Essay Plan. (600-800 words). Research topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). The Essay Plan is due one week before the Research Essay is due.

The research essay in this unit is preceded by an important research planning activity that helps you to organise and refine your approach to the topic. Asking you to prepare an essay plan will help to enhance the overall quality of your essay. Your essay plan must be submitted at least one week before your research essay is due.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Develop a concise essay plan. The limit is 600-800 words.
Outline the proposed structure of your research essay. Justify your choices. Preparing the essay plan is intended to help you develop your ability to think strategically about your topic and the elements that you need to cover in order to address the topic well.
Identify key primary sources that underpin your research essay. This requires you to identify appropriate sources of public health law and to assess the credibility and relevance of chosen materials, such as authoritative government documents or WHO documents.
Identify the main arguments you will present in your essay, as well as any potential counterarguments. This requires you to reflect on the effectiveness of law in preventing disease and reducing health risks, and to identify and explain the normative approach you will take in your essay.

Note: The Essay Plan does not require footnotes.

4. Research essay. (80%; 6,000 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due date: 17 May 2024 (Wk 12).

The research essay gives you the opportunity to engage in deeper-level research on a doctrinal, theoretical, or policy-related issue relevant to public health law. This task is designed to utilise the unit of study materials and to go beyond them, encouraging you to engage with a wide range of primary sources like cases, legislation, authoritative guidelines or codes of practice, as well as appropriate secondary sources such as textbooks, scholarly journal articles and, where appropriate, media sources. You are encouraged to follow up some of the items from the list of “Further reading”. Research essays build upon students’ knowledge of the content of public health law and require students to demonstrate their capacity for legal reasoning and evaluation, and for developing normative arguments about public health laws, and the policy underlying such laws.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Research your topic, working from appropriate primary and secondary sources.
One week prior to the submission date for the research essay, submit the research essay plan.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

NB: When you submit your research essay you must ALSO include with it a copy of the previously-submitted research essay plan. The research essay will not be marked unless the research plan constitutes a genuine attempt and meets minimum academic requirements.

Your essay should:

Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.
Use footnotes appropriately: avoid discursive footnotes.
Ensure clarity and coherence in your arguments.

ASSESSMENT CHOICE 2

Complete 1 AND 2 AND 3 AND 4 below

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic from the list provided on Canvas.
Prepare a one (1) page summary of what you will present that identifies main themes, issues you will discuss, key arguments (where relevant) and your conclusions.

This summary helps to ensure that the presentation is focused and relevant to the chosen topic.

Prepare a 10-15 minute presentation that addresses the selected topic.

Your presentation can include a maximum of four (4) slides. You should be prepared to answer questions from your audience at the end of the presentation.

There are limited presentation spots available, and students who cannot be accommodated during class will be required to present their work by recording and submitting an mp4 presentation.

2. Short response. (20%; 2,000 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due dates: 22 March 2024 (Wk 5).

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Prepare a 2,000-word response to the question where you
- Address the central question(s) of the chosen topic.
- Describe how you have critically evaluated the primary sources of public health law – provide more than a description.
- Take an evaluative or normative stance in your response demonstrating your capacity to engage in critical evaluation.
Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

3. Research Essay Plan. (600-800 words). Research topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). The Essay Plan is due one week before the Research Essay is due.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Develop a concise essay plan. The limit is 600-800 words.
Outline the proposed structure of your research essay. Justify your choices. Preparing the essay plan is intended to help you develop your ability to think strategically about your topic and the elements that you need to cover in order to address the topic well.
Identify key primary sources that underpin your research essay. This requires you to identify appropriate sources of public health law and to assess the credibility and relevance of chosen materials, such as authoritative government documents or WHO documents.
Identify the main arguments you will present in your essay, as well as any potential counterarguments. This requires you to reflect on the effectiveness of law in preventing disease and reducing health risks, and to identify and explain the normative approach you will take in your essay.

Note: The Essay Plan does not require footnotes.

4. Research essay. (60%; 4,500 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due date: 24 May 2024 (Wk 13).

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Research your topic, working from appropriate primary and secondary sources.
One week prior to the submission date for the research essay, submit the research essay plan.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

Your essay should:

Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.
Use footnotes appropriately: avoid discursive footnotes.
Ensure clarity and coherence in your arguments.

ASSESSMENT CHOICE 3

Complete 1 AND 2 AND 3 AND 4 below

1. Research Essay Plan. (600-800 words). Research topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). The Essay Plan is due one week before the Research Essay is due.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Develop a concise essay plan. The limit is 600-800 words.
Outline the proposed structure of your research essay. Justify your choices. Preparing the essay plan is intended to help you develop your ability to think strategically about your topic and the elements that you need to cover in order to address the topic well.
Identify key primary sources that underpin your research essay. This requires you to identify appropriate sources of public health law and to assess the credibility and relevance of chosen materials, such as authoritative government documents or WHO documents.
Identify the main arguments you will present in your essay, as well as any potential counterarguments. This requires you to reflect on the effectiveness of law in preventing disease and reducing health risks, and to identify and explain the normative approach you will take in your essay.

Note: The Essay Plan does not require footnotes.

2. Research essay. (40%; 3,500 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due date: 10 May 2024 (Wk 11).

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Research your topic, working from appropriate primary and secondary sources.
One week prior to the submission date for the research essay, submit the research essay plan.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

Your essay should:

Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.
Use footnotes appropriately: avoid discursive footnotes.
Ensure clarity and coherence in your arguments.

3. Research Essay Plan. (600-800 words). Research topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). The Essay Plan is due one week before the Research Essay is due.

To successfully complete this task you will:

Develop a concise essay plan. The limit is 600-800 words.
Outline the proposed structure of your research essay. Justify your choices. Preparing the essay plan is intended to help you develop your ability to think strategically about your topic and the elements that you need to cover in order to address the topic well.
Identify key primary sources that underpin your research essay. This requires you to identify appropriate sources of public health law and to assess the credibility and relevance of chosen materials, such as authoritative government documents or WHO documents.
Identify the main arguments you will present in your essay, as well as any potential counterarguments. This requires you to reflect on the effectiveness of law in preventing disease and reducing health risks, and to identify and explain the normative approach you will take in your essay.

Note: The Essay Plan does not require footnotes.

4. Research essay. (60%; 4,500 words). Topics available: 26 Feb 2024 (Wk 2). Due date: 24 May 2024 (Wk 13).

To successfully complete this task you will:

Select a topic/question from the list provide on Canvas.
Research your topic, working from appropriate primary and secondary sources.
One week prior to the submission date for the research essay, submit the research essay plan.

Note: The word count excludes footnotes.

Your essay should:

Accurately reference your response using the conventions of the AGLC 4th edition.
Use footnotes appropriately: avoid discursive footnotes.
Ensure clarity and coherence in your arguments.

How the assessment choices relate to the learning outcomes for the unit:

In-Class Presentation (or mp4 presentation)

The presentation topics reflect current issues and challenges in public health law encountered in the unit. This assessment tests LO 1, 2 and 3, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ understanding and application of the key principles and practices in public health law.

Short response

This assignment is designed to test students’ ability to critically analyse the historical and conceptual underpinnings of public health law (LO1), evaluate various sources of public health law (LO2), develop complex legal arguments relating to the role of law in public health issues (LO3) and reflect critically on law’s role in preventing disease and reducing health risks at the population level (LO3).

Research essay plan

This research essay addresses LO2 by asking students to critically evaluate sources of public health law and to select and justify key sources, thereby encouraging a critical assessment of their credibility and relevance to public health law. LO3 is addressed by having students develop and articulate complex legal arguments by planning the structure of their essay and outlining key arguments and counter arguments. This helps students to engage in critical thinking, strategic planning, and advanced legal research skills. Through the process of selecting arguments and sources, students engage in reflection of how Law impacts public health, thus addressing this learning outcome.

Research essay

This research essay task is comprehensive in its scope, addressing Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3, and is instrumental in enhancing students’ understanding, analytical capabilities and argumentative skills in public health law. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to conduct in-depth legal research, critically evaluate sources, and develop well-reasoned legal arguments, all of which are crucial skills for legal practitioners in the field of public health.

Use of editors and automated writing tools

The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (but not including spell checking and grammar checking tools, provided that all use is acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy). The use of Studiosity does not breach this rule but must be acknowledged. Acknowledgment must be in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software.

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.

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, which has not been granted an 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 5pm but by 11.59pm on the due date will attract a 10% penalty. A submission after midnight of the due date for submission will attract a 20% penalty. A submission on the following day after midnight will attract a 30% penalty, and so on.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Introduction to the unit and to public health law (Week 1)	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 1 - Defining the content and role of public health law; Module 2 - Case studies illustrating the sources of public health law. There are 2 X pre-recorded presentations for Module 1, and 1 X pre-recorded presentations for Module 2. These introduce you to the both modules and provide a foundation for class activities on 7 March 2024	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 1, Topic 2: Understanding public health legislation - what's in a public health Act? Topic 3: What are the defining features of public health, and of public health law?	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 2 - Small group activity: prepare to discuss case studies illustrating the sources of public health law	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 2 - case studies illustrating the sources of public health law. Heading 1: international law and health governance & case study on global governance of pandemics	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 2 - Case studies illustrating the sources of public health law. Small groups present case studies on the sources of public health law; class discussion	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 3 - Australia's legal framework for managing pandemics; Module 4 - An introduction to tobacco control. There is 1 X pre-recorded presentation for each of modules 3-4 which provide a foundation for class activities on 4-5 April. Students will also prepare for the "virtual epidemic" learning activity on 8-9 April 2024	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 3 - Australia's legal framework for managing pandemics. Case study 2: Australia's legal response to the Covid-19 pandemic	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 3 - Australia's legal framework for managing pandemics. Students prepare for "virtual epidemic" learning activity	Seminar (1 hr)
	Module 3- Australia's legal framework for managing pandemics. Complete case study 2: Australia's legal response to the Covid-19 pandemic including NSW legal response, thematic review, further case studies	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 3, Responding to a virtual epidemic. This activity draws on students' understanding of Australia's legal framework for responding to a contagious pandemic	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 4 - An Introduction to tobacco control. Students work in groups to prepare responses to class activity on landmark cases in tobacco control	Seminar (1 hr)
	Module 4 - An introduction to tobacco control law. Review of tobacco litigation in the United States and Australia	Seminar (2 hr)
	Module 4 - An introduction to tobacco control law. Class activity on landmark cases in tobacco control. There will also be a class activity on scope of NSW tobacco control legislation	Seminar (2 hr)

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

LAWS6839: Critical Issues in Public Health Law

Semester 1a, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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