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 is concerned with the development of consumer protection law as a discrete area of law and practice, largely as a consequence of statutory initiatives. The unit focuses on misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, unfair contract terms, consumer guarantees, unfair practices, liability of manufacturers for goods with safety defects, safety of consumer goods and product related services, consumer credit and current developments in Australian consumer law.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and understand the objectives, requirements and processes of State and Federal legislative schemes for the protection of consumers in Australia; (2) apply relevant legal principles to hypothetical factual scenarios; (3) communicate a comprehension of consumer law by expressing ideas coherently and logically in written and oral form; and (4) evaluate existing consumer protection law as to whether it responds adequately to consumer needs.

Assessment

Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include tutorial participation, a group presentation and a final examination. Further assessment information is provided in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Assistant Professor Tracey Atkins and Beatrice Hamilton
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS1130 Legal Process
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 1 hour per fortnight
Texts

Mailbon, J. and Nottage, L. Consumer Law and Policy in Australia and New Zealand: Federation Press 2013

Recommended reading

Bruce, A. Consumer Protection in Australia: LexisNexis 2011

Corones, S. The Australian Consumer Law: Thompson Reuters 2013

Miller, R. Miller's Australian Competition and Consumer Law Annotated, 36th edn: Thompson Reuters 2014

Pearson, G. and Batten, R. Understanding Australian Consumer Credit Law: CCH 2011

 

  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.