Outline

Overview

This unit focuses on understanding enforcement measures in the environmental law field. The unit will suit both international and national students who want to increase their understanding of enforcement-related issues. The unit examines the nature of law enforcement generally and in the environmental law field specifically. Students will develop understanding of the nature of ‘environmental crime’ and ‘green criminology’; of the relevance and value in different countries of international obligations relevant to enforcement; of the value of different types of criminal sanctions; of the advantages and limitations of different types of proceedings; of the value of considering different comparative approaches taken by different countries; and the nature of administrative obligation and sanction measures. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ed Couzens, ed.couzens@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 May 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Conversation	(Alternative) Capstone Viva Voce (0%) In person or Zoom viva to assess essay and research methodology	0%	Multiple weeks	10-15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Preparation assessment (Early Feedback Task) (0%) written answer to question relating to research and referencing	0%	Week 01 Due date: 23 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Apr 2026	7 days/500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-Semester Test (30%) 60 minutes of writing time and 15 minutes of reading time	30%	Week 05 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 10:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay Outline/ Notification (0%) submission of chosen topic	0%	Week 05 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	(Alternative) Capstone essay proposal (10%) Capstone essay proposal on a unit topic of student choice	0%	Week 05 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research essay (70%) Research essay	70%	Week 10 Due date: 22 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Jul 2026	6000 words / 8 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	(Alternative) Capstone Essay (90%) Capstone essay for LLM students	0%	Week 10 Due date: 22 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Jul 2026	7,000 - 7,500 words / 8 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Preparation assessment (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. By Friday 17 April 2026, 9:00am, a question will be released, with a written response of approximately 500 words to be submitted through Canvas by 11:59pm on Thursday 23 April 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). The aim of this submission will be to ascertain individual students’ approaches to answering questions, research and referencing.

Research Essay Outline/Notification (0%) Choose 1 of the topics provided, which will be released on Canvas on or before 24 April 2026. You must notify the Unit Coordinator of your chosen topic by submitting it via Canvas no later than 11:59pm on 22 May 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

In-semester test (30%) The in-semester test will be held in class at 10:00 am on Friday 22 May 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). You will have 60 minutes of writing time and 15 minutes of reading time. It will be comprised primarily of problem- and/or drafting-style questions. The test will examine the materials covered in the whole unit. The test will be handwritten.

6,000 word Research Essay (70%) This assessment will be by way of a research essay on a topic which will be released by 9:00am on Friday 24 April 2026. The essay needs to be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday 22 June 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). It is expected that students will approach answering this as a Masters-level research undertaking, and research and engage with the issues appropriately, with appropriate referencing, following instructions given with the topic.

For LLM students only: (Alternative) Capstone essay (100%)

LLM students who are undertaking this unit towards the end of their degree, and need a capstone experience to complete their degree, must apply to the unit coordinator to undertake the assessment option of a Capstone Essay. The Capstone Essay (including the proposal) will replace all assessments in this unit and is worth 100% of your marks for the unit.

The overall Capstone experience must be a minimum of 8000 words, made up of the proposal (1,000 words) and the essay (7,000 - 7,500 words). Your essay topic should respond to the material covered in the present unit. However, at the same time, in order to serve as a capstone for your LLM, it should build upon the learning that has taken place during your LLM studies more generally.

Completion of the Capstone essay comprises the following assessment tasks:

1000 word Capstone essay proposal (10%) must be submitted by 11.59pm on Friday 22 May 2026 (Sydney, Australia time)
7000 word Capstone essay (90%) must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 22 June 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). The Capstone essay must be a minimum of 7000 words in order to meet the requirements of the Capstone experience. The maximum word count is 7,500 words.
A Capstone Viva voce (0%) assessment of 10-15 minutes will take place, in person or electronically, by arrangement, within the two weeks following the submission of the alternative Capstone essay.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 250 words, or part thereof. Additionally, the Capstone essay will attract a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for every 100 words, or part thereof, which is below 7000 words. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will 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).

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 sydney.edu.au/students/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 5% 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. Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests.

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	Day 1: 24 April Intro to the unit / Postgraduate research / Academic integrity / International and national law / International and national law / Enforcement of treaties / The ‘enforcement gap’ / Enforcement of international environmental treaties in Australia / Comparative national approaches to environmental criminalisation	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 03	Day 2: 8 May Environmental crime detection / Australia / Other jurisdictions / Environmental law enforcement: Approval, acquiescence and resistance	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 04	Day 3: 14 May Intro to criminal law generally / Why we have criminal law / Basic concepts and terms / Basic procedures / Intro to Australian criminal law / Commonwealth / States / Territories Court structures / Prosecution authorities	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 04	Day 4: 15 May Remedies / compensation for environmental damage – comparative perspectives / Intro to administrative law generally / Requirements for proper decision-making / Challenging administrative decisions / Administrative law and environmental enforcement / Regulation / Licences and permits / Administrative sanctions	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 05	Day 5: 21 May Environmental law case studies in Australia / Environmental law reform in Australia / Intro to criminology generally: Why do we study crime? / What do we study? / Introducing Green Criminology: Why study ‘environmental crime’? / What do we study?	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Day 6: 22 May Perspectives on: Ecocide as a concept and a crime / Perspectives on: Mass Violence and Environmental Harm / Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% 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

Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis, 11th ed, 2023).

Ch 1: Environmental Law: The Context

Ch 11: Compliance and Enforcement: Remedies for Regulators

Ch 12: Civil Action by Citizens

Ch 13: Challenging Environmental Decision-making

Available online through the USyd library: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/usyd/detail.action?docID=7216448

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. Contrast the difficulties caused in the field of environmental law by ineffective enforcement with the benefits gained through effective enforcement; and demonstrate, through critical analysis, that they have gained advanced understanding of both.
LO2. Describe the nature and role of criminal and administrative enforcement in environmental law; and demonstrate advanced understanding of these natures and roles through critically evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both.
LO3. Identify the difficulties faced by states in implementing and enforcing international environmental law obligations; and contrast approaches used in select jurisdictions.
LO4. Describe Australia’s environmental obligations under international law; and contrast the approaches taken by different States within the Australian federal system to enforcing environmental laws.
LO5. Critically evaluate, at an advanced level, potential legal remedies for specific issues and problems facing the enforcement of environmental law in Australia. This evaluation will be evidenced through the two different assessment types – exam and research essay.
LO6. Research different sub-disciplines within the study of environmental law and provide advanced reflection on how they complement each other in promoting an understanding of issues related to the enforcement of environmental laws. This research and reflection will be evidenced through the two different assessment types – test and research essay.

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 second time this unit is running. Unit outline information has been filled based on the unit summary provided by Ed Couzens

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

LAWS6365: Environmental Crimes and Law Enforcement

Intensive April - May, 2026 [Block mode] - 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