2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
Introduction
This unit is designed to achieve an enhanced level of knowledge, understanding and competence in the areas of criminal procedure and evidence law. Students will consider the formal legal requirements leading to sound operational practice in areas such as arrest, custody and powers to search and develop their understanding through an examination of reported cases and factual scenarios. Students will also consider evidentiary rules in the context of identifying ‘best practice’ in operational policing. Throughout the course, students will be expected to consider police actions in factual situations and identify legal issues arising from either a procedural or evidential perspective, including how such actions might affect the admissibility of evidence. In preparing students to fully participate in this unit and meet intended learning outcomes, the introduction will include material designed to assist students to effectively find legal information from a variety of sources, and to apply this information to factual situations.
Summary
| Unit name | Advanced Law for Policing |
| Unit code | PEM302 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety |
| Discipline | Policing and Emergency Management |
| Coordinator | Professor Isa Bartkowiak-Theron |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 |
|
|
||
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
International 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* 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).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and discuss legal issues associated with police procedural and evidence gathering practices.
- Apply legal rules, principles and doctrines relating to criminal procedure and evidence law to policing situations.
- Implement a variety of research methods to find relevant law to inform policing practice.
- Critically evaluate the link between practical police procedures and legal obligations, rights and powers.
- Evaluate the potential effect of police procedural and evidence gathering practices on the admissibility of evidence.
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 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- 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 | Methods to find relevant legal information (10%)|Criminal procedure (30%)|Evidence law (30%)|Take home exam (30%) |
|---|---|
| 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.