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

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Nikolaos KOUTRAS

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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 (except course Y11 which has no pre-requisite requirements)

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded LAW2600

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

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

Unit Content

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

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

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)

• al, F. (2016). Selected Chapters. Bloomsbury. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ECU/detail.action?docID=4505179
• Sarre, R., & Prenzler, T. (2009). The law of private security in Australia. (2nd ed.). Pyrmont NSW: Thomson Reuters. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/320352322

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