Go to Courses and units

Disability, Mental Health and the Law unit (LAW231)

eStudent Enquire

Unit year 2026

View previous years unit information

Quick Help

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Hobart, Online

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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Summer This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Summer This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Summer 1/1/2026 12/1/2026 23/1/2026 14/2/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090999 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $2,249.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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)

AssessmentQuiz (20%)|Presentation and Briefing Paper (30%)|Research Paper (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

See the Reading List and MyLO

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.