Law for Policing unit (PEM107)

Online

Introduction

This unit gives students an understanding of and opportunity to apply their knowledge of the common law legal system in the context of arrest, search and evidentiary considerations as a police witness and criminal incident investigator. It covers a range of topics from: common law, legislation, Parliament and courts, case law, statutory interpretation, legal research skills, arrest, custody, search, various evidentiary provisions, criminal responsibility and your role as a police witness.

Summary

Unit name	Law for Policing
Unit code	PEM107
Credit points	25
College/School	Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline	Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator	Mr Samuel Diprose Adams
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Police Study Period 1
Online	Police Study Period 2
Online	Police Study Period 3
Online	Trimester

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Police Study Period 3	31/5/2026	30/11/2026	1/12/2026	29/5/2027
Trimester	1/11/2026	23/11/2026	23/12/2026	13/2/2027
Police Study Period 2	1/3/2026	3/8/2026	4/8/2026	26/12/2026
Police Study Period 1	1/1/2026	18/5/2026	19/5/2026	26/9/2026

* 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

• Describe the relationship between the police constable and the greater legal system including criminal courts and government
• Apply legal reasoning in criminal law, evidence law, and police procedural law in scenarios relevant to operational police constables
• Communicate to individuals their relevant significant rights within the criminal justice system
• Recognise issues of evidentiary reliability and admissibility in scenarios relevant to operational police constables
• Give oral evidence as a police witness in the Magistrates Court

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
091103	$4,349.00	$2,041.00	not applicable	$4,498.00

• 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

Assessment	Presentation (30%)|Quiz (30%)|Invigilated Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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