Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Business and Law

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Security and the Law

• Unit Code

  LAW2605

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Mr Michael Gerard CROWLEY

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Description

This unit examines the role of public and private security agencies in a national security environment. The unit shows how these security agencies operate legally and politically within the Australian federal system. The unit examines national and international security models, seeking to identify what constitutes an effective and democratic counter-terrorism strategy. Particular attention is given to the roles of intelligence, law and private entities in maintaining national security in a vibrant democracy

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 60 credit points

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded LAW5607

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate how the role of public and private security agencies are changing in response to legislation, privacy, technology and world events.
2. Critically evaluate the history of national security in Australia.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how legislation and case law guides the actions of public and private security agencies.
4. Explain the basics of the Australian federal political legal system as it relates to security.
5. Identify what has and what has not worked as common responses by Western democracies to national security threats.
6. Investigate and critically respond to national security policy documents.
7. Outline the response of the United Nations and other international organizations to threats to international security.

Unit Content

1. Australias legislative response to security threats.
2. Australias national security framework.
3. How private security works in a national security environment.
4. Important Australian security trials.
5. International responses to security threats.
6. Is there a conflict between privacy and security?
7. The Australian federal political/legal system.
8. The history of national security in Australia.
9. The impact of technology on public and private security operations.
10. What are rights and freedoms?
11. What is private security?

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, workshops, case studies and practical exercises. On-campus students will attend campus weekly - divided between lectures and tutorials. Lectures will be used to introduce content, concepts and principles relevant to the subject and provide direction to students in research. Tutorials will allow students to develop oral and written responses to lecture and research materials. There will be an emphasis on research and critical analysis of legal instruments and political responses to the subject. Students will be expected to exhibit an ability to undertake relevant self-directed research and appropriate skills in oral and written communication.

Off-campus students will access the unit via Blackboard and will participate online. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Sarre, R., & Prenzler, T. (2009). The law of private security in Australia. (2nd ed.). Pyrmont NSW: Thomson Reuters.

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