Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to three commons areas: (1) The high seas and seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction; (2) polar regions; and (3) outer space and celestial bodies including the Moon. International law regimes, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and its implementing agreements, the Antarctic Treaty system, and international space law treaties will be examined with the emphasis on commonalities and differences between these regimes. This unit provides students with a broad understanding of how the international law regimes respond to contemporary governance issues that affect all three areas such as debris mitigation, tourism regulation, and the use of scientific research.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the legal frameworks and institutional architecture relevant to oceans, ice and outer space; (2) demonstrate understanding of the concepts of the commons and common heritage of humankind and how they have been used; (3) critically analyse legal issues and current developments of laws for oceans, ice and outer space; (4) apply the law to hypothetical problem-solving exercises, and make persuasive legal arguments and counter arguments; (5) assess the effectiveness of the law with respect to the commons explored in this unit; and (6) develop coherent arguments for reform and/or further research in the areas of oceans, ice and outer space.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) class participation; (2) short answer paper; and (3) research paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Erika Techera
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in 20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering and five Unit(s)
LAWS4102 Criminal Law LAWS4103 Contract LAWS4104 Property LAWS4106 Torts LAWS4107 Land Law LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law
and
LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
or Enrolment in
42580 Master of Public Policy
and LAWS5260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Government ) For all other students, there are no prerequisites required
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
Unit(s) LAWS5577 Space and Satellite Law
Enrolment in
Unit(s) LAWS5179 Law of the Sea
Advisable prior study
LAWS5165 Public International Law
Contact hours
Sessions will run from 9am - 5pm on Wednesdays for six weeks across semester 2. Refer to timetable for more details. Students must attend all sessions.
Texts

Readings will be set via Unit Readings Online.

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.