Language and the Law
Undergraduate
UNE-LING244 2024Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Language and the Law
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate introductory understanding of how language and linguistics are relevant to and can affect the legal process;
- analyse and interpret various kinds of linguistic evidence to assess the validity of arguments for and against, with the ability to transmit this understanding to others;
- identify possible sources of sociolinguistic disadvantage, and effectively interpret and communicate this knowledge in the context of the legal process; and
- use judgement to independently apply linguistic concepts and knowledge within a range of legal communication contexts.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Throughout the justice system, language is used to define the laws of the country and to prosecute and defend those accused of crimes. In this subject you will examine the nature of legal language and how it is exploited for maximum effect in the legal system. You will look at extracts of police interviews and courtroom interactions to understand how language can be used as a tool to reinforce social advantage or disadvantage. You’ll also review the forensic applications of language: disputes over meanings (e.g. contracts and copyright cases); indistinct audio recordings; and authorship analysis.
Assessment 1: Online Quiz: 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 2: Online Quiz: 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 3: Online Quiz: 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 4: Take Home Exam: 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.- Online Quiz (15%)
- Online Quiz (15%)
- Take Home Exam - 2 hrs 15 mins (55%)
- Online Quiz (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-CRM-DEG-2024 - Bachelor of Criminology
- UNE-LGS-DEG-2024 - Bachelor of Legal Studies
- UNE-PLS-DIP-2024 - Diploma in Paralegal Studies
Others
Candidature in Bachelor of Criminology
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-CRM-DEGUndergraduate
UNE-LGS-DEGUndergraduate
UNE-PLS-DIP