Outline

Overview

International Drug Law and Policy examines international and Australian drug laws and policies. Students will study the history of international drug policy including the role of the United Nations, the United States, and Australia’s interventions in Southeast Asia. Students will learn to apply a range of theories from various disciplines to drug policy including: critical criminology, economics, and public health. Students will learn and analyse a wide range of laws that make up drug law enforcement. Students will develop an advanced knowledge of key criminal law concepts. Students will reflect on the role of law, lawyers, and the judiciary in mass incarceration. Students will develop key skills such as an integrated understanding of fundamental legal principles and practices, critical analysis of legal and policy questions, and how to communicate with diverse legal and non-legal audiences. Class activities will involve a range of hypothetical problem solving scenarios, policy debates, and policy recommendations

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS3532
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ben Mostyn, benjamin.mostyn@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Reflection Notes (20%) 2 x Reflection Notes	20%	Multiple weeks	2 x 500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class Participation (20%) Structured class participatio	20%	Multiple weeks	Weeks 1-13	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Online quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59	Short forum post, 100 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay Proposal (10%) Research Essay Proposal	10%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay (50%) Final Research Essay	50%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Nov 2026	3,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%)
This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a small online forum post. The task will be available on Canvas from 5:00PM on Monday 10 August to Sunday 16 August 2026 at 11:59PM (Sydney, Australia time). It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from Weeks 1-2.

Structure Class Participation (20%)
At the outset of semester, students will sign up to be ‘on call’ for one class. Students who are ‘on call’ for a particular class are required to have prepared for class in the usual way, and to be ready to answer questions from the lecturer. You will be rewarded for oral contributions which demonstrate that you have read the designated materials and reflected on the issues raised.

The participation grade reflects consistent engagement across all classes. Each student will be 'on call' for one session, where they must prepare thoroughly and be ready to respond to the lecturer's questions. However, participation will be assessed on preparation and contributions in all classes throughout the semester.

Reflection Notes (20%) x 2
First Reflection Note will be based on a week's readings (of the student's choice). Students can choose any of the week's readings for their reflection note. Word Limit: 500 words

Second Reflection Note will be based on a tour of the supervised injection centre in Kings Cross. If students cannot attend the tour, they will be given resources to reflect on. This assessment must be submitted via Canvas by 11:59PM on Friday 16 October 2026. Word limit: 500 words. More information will be provided on Canvas.

Research Essay Proposal (10%)
Students will choose their own research topic around drug law and policy. The proposal will be 300 words for students to outline their research question and arguments. Students must also submit a reference list of ten items to demonstrate preliminary research. This assessment must be submitted via Canvas by 11:59PM on Friday 11 September 2026. More information will be provided on Canvas.

Research Essay (50%)
The final essay will be on a unique topic to the students on a specific issue of drug law or policy and based on teacher feedback. Essays will be marked according to a rubric including depth of research, appropriateness of research question, critical analysis, and originality. The final essay must be submitted via Canvas by 11:59PM on Friday 6 November 2026. Word limit: 3,000 words. More information will be provided on Canvas.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essays and other written assessments exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted). Discursive footnotes will be counted in the word count.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see Guide to Grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	History of drug policy	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Epistemology and Drug Policy	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	US alcohol prohibition	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Intoxication and the Law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	NSW Drug Laws	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	UN Conventions	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	War Games	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Supervised Injection Centre Tour	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Supervised Injection Centre Tour	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Commonwealth Drug Laws	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Harm Minimisation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Harm Minimisation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	What prohibition looks like	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Drug policy in producer countries	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Drug laws and human rights	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Interdisciplinary approach to drug laws	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Intersectional drug laws	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	The quiet revolution: drug decriminalisation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Regulating global drug markets; Completion of student feedback survey for this unit of study.	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 80% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Des Manderson (2026) High Time: How Australia Changed Its Mind About Illegal Drugs, La Trobe University Press.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Critically evaluate the historical and institutional development of international drug policy, including the roles of key actors.
LO2. Apply legal and interdisciplinary theories to analyse drug laws and develop a research proposal addressing complex socio-legal issues.
LO3. Analyse and synthesise Australian drug laws and their intersections with other legal domains, such as immigration, family, and tenancy law.
LO4. Construct and critique arguments, both written and oral, addressing ethical considerations in drug policy development, reflecting on personal and professional values.
LO5. Design innovative policy solutions for complex socio-legal problems, integrating theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and ethical considerations.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS5232: International Drug Law and Policy

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links