Introduction
In the unit, you will explore the role of the law in the lives of people with disability and people with mental health conditions in Tasmania and Australia. It will introduce you to the legal and policy structures that affect this large and diverse group in many areas of life, including health and disability care, education, employment, criminal law, voting and social security. Using an interdisciplinary and international human rights framework, you will engage with a range of cultural and social approaches to disability that inform legal and policy responses to people with disability and mental health service users. You will consider the potential of law, policy and practice reform to improve rights enjoyment around the state, the country and the globe.
Summary
| Unit name | Disability, Mental Health and the Law |
| Unit code | LAW231 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Faculty of Law |
| Discipline | Law |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Yvette Maker |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Explain Tasmanian and Australian disability and mental health laws in national and international context.
- Analyse the impact of key laws on the lives and human rights of people with disability and mental health service users, drawing on contemporary rights theory.
- Critically reflect on the legal and policy dimensions of issues affecting people with disability and mental health service users, and identify reform options
- Communicate clearly and construct persuasive arguments to address legal and social issues.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 01/01/2026-11/01/2026: Self-directed learning: 6.5hr Self-directed learning online via MyLO videos, readings, activities and assessment 20/01/2026-30/01/2026: Two-week intensive face-to-face and online: 6x 3hr Lectures (10am-1pm) + 4x 2hr Workshop (2pm-4pm every second day) |
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| Assessment | Quiz (20%)|Presentation and Briefing Paper (30%)|Research Paper (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
See the Reading List and MyLO |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.