Outline

Overview

This unit provides students with an introduction to legal ideas, policy formation, and interaction between legal and social institutions in historical contexts. The transportation of common law and Westminster style government into Australia and its effect on Indigenous people and customary law is considered. Case law is discussed along with the role of parliament and politicians in creating social policy and how it is turned into legislation. International law and human rights are introduced. Jurisprudence theories further the analysis of how law effects society. We also consider shortcomings with 'the law' and asses attempts to increase equitable access for all citizens to law.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Allen George, allen.george@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam In-person, paper-based exam (2000wd equivalent)	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Orientation & Everyday Law Quiz Online quiz	5%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59	250 words (equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Write a Socio-Legal Paragraph Written task	10%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Court Report Written task	35%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation Active participation in tutorials	10%	Weekly	In class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

All assessment tasks must be submitted in this unit. If an assessment task is not submitted, an overall grade of AF (Absent Fail) will be awarded for this unit.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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	What is Socio-Legal Studies?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Law in Everyday Life: Legal Consciousness	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Law in Everyday Life: Legal Consciousness	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Inequality, Structure & Difference	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Inequality, Structure & Difference	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Policing, Discretion & State Authority	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Policing, Discretion & State Authority	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Inside the Courtroom: Law in Action	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Inside the Courtroom: Law in Action	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Dispute Resolution Beyond Courts	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Dispute Resolution Beyond Courts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Sources & Methods in Socio-Legal Studies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Sources & Methods in Socio-Legal Studies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Policy, Government & Social Regulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Policy, Government & Social Regulation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Law, Culture & Representation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Law, Culture & Representation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Law, Relationships & Family	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Law, Relationships & Family	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Law, Sovereignty & Legal Pluralism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Law, Sovereignty & Legal Pluralism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Law, Society & Power: Classical to Critical	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Law, Society & Power: Classical to Critical	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Synthesis: Thinking Socio-Legally Across Systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Synthesis: Thinking Socio-Legally Across Systems	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Assignment submission: All assignments must be submitted in this unit. If an assignment(s) is not submitted, a grade of Absent Fail (AF) will be awarded in the unit.
Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Lectures are recorded and made available to students on Canvas. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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

All required readings for this unit are available through the Library’s Leganto reading list on Canvas. Additional recommended readings are also provided.

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. understand law and socio-legal concepts in their social, historical, cultural, political and economic contexts
LO2. demonstrate an independent ability to locate legal and other information efficiently and effectively
LO3. exercise critical judgment and critical thinking in reading and writing about law, policy and society
LO4. rigorously evaluate and address critical issues within contemporary legal discourse
LO5. demonstrate an appreciation of diverse perspectives in approaching concepts of legal culture
LO6. communicate ideas and concepts raised in the unit with others.

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.

The structure of the unit has been reorganised.

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

Early feedback task

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

SLSS1001: Law Policy and Society I

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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