Courses - Faculty of Law
Law Public
Stage IV
Administrative Law
A study of the general principles of judicial review of administrative action, including the ultra vires principle, the substantive and procedural restraints on the exercise of public power, and the remedies available for breach of these principles.
Prerequisite: LAW 201, 211, 231, 241
Restriction: LAW 402, 440, LAWPUBL 426
International Law
An introduction to the basic principles and nature of public international law and its role in contemporary society including an overview of the current legal framework, the sources of international law, the law of treaties, issues surrounding international personality, international dispute resolution and the use of force.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights or LAW 211, 231, 241
Restriction: LAW 435
Special Topic: Law and Social Justice
The role of law and legal practice in the advancement of social justice, including an introduction to theories of social justice and their application in diverse areas of social policy including criminal justice, housing, welfare, immigration, tax, and in relation to the Māori and Pasifika dimensions of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Prerequisite: LAW 201 and 211
Advanced Criminal Law
An examination of a selected range of the more difficult but significant areas of legal doctrine and policy that arise in the criminal law and which are not covered in the introductory Part II course on criminal law. Topics covered in this course include: the law on inchoate offences, property offences (other than theft), the insanity defence and party liability.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Special Topic: Advanced Employment Law
Advanced study of selected issues in employment law including legal developments relating to modern slavery, health and safety, independent contractors, work-related personal injury, whistleblowing, fair pay agreements, social media, workplace investigations, education law, sports law, health law and transfer of undertakings. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 425
Restriction: LAWPUBL 457
Special Topic: International Organisations
An introduction to the law, practice, and politics of international organisations such as the United Nations, technical agencies, and international financial institutions, including: the historical evolution of international organisations; and cross-cutting doctrinal issues such as membership, organs, decision-making, legal powers, and accountability.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
An examination of selected contemporary issues in criminal justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Topics may include: whether the criminal justice system in Aotearoa is fit for purpose; punishment and imprisonment; victims and the criminal process; restorative justice; therapeutic jurisprudence; solution-focused courts; family violence; Indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system; media and crime. The focus is on law-in-action and law-in-context.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Restriction: LAW 406, LAWPUBL 463
Advanced International Law
Advanced studies in selected areas of the law of nations; a critical analysis of existing and developing international law, and consideration of the relationship between law, economics, politics and international diplomacy.
Prerequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402
Restriction: LAW 408, LAWPUBL 459
Contemporary Tiriti/Treaty Issues
Contemporary legal issues arising under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 421
Criminology
The study of major theories of criminology; the definition, nature and causes of criminal behaviour; the administration of criminal justice; and the interrelation of specific crimes and the criminal justice system.
Prerequisite: LAW 201, or 121G and either CRIM 201 or 202
Restriction: LAW 363, 423, LAWHONS 723
Immigration and Refugee Law
A consideration of the basic features of the Immigration Act 1987 with emphasis on the role of administrative law in the immigration field, an introduction to the law of refugee status, and the jurisprudence of the New Zealand. Refugee Status Appeals Authority.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 428
Employment Law
A study of individual and collective employment agreements and the underlying statutory framework of employment law in New Zealand including the Employment Relations Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1993, Privacy Act 2020, Holidays Act 2003, Minimum Wages Act 1983, Wages Protection Act 1983, Equal Pay Act 1972, and Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.
Prerequisite: LAW 231, 241
Restriction: LAW 430
Judicial Review
A study of the general principles of judicial review of administrative action, and remedies available for breach of those principles.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 402, 440, LAWPUBL 401
Māori Land Law
Customary Māori land tenure and legal issues arising under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.
Corequisite: LAW 301
Restriction: LAW 359, 444, LAWHONS 719
Rights and Freedoms
The legal modes for protection of civil rights including study of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, the Human Rights Act 1993, freedom of speech and religion, criminal procedural rights, equality and the prohibited grounds of discrimination.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 342, 452, LAWHONS 702
Law and Policy
An introduction to different theoretical perspectives on the role of the State and the policy-making process; the policy-making process and the techniques for analysing policy; the process, substance and effects of key policy changes since 1984.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 480
Criminal Procedure
The rules governing the conduct of criminal trials and the investigation of crime. Changes to criminal procedure brought about by judicial interpretation of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Selected topics which may include: search and seizure, name suppression, right to counsel, exclusion of evidence, bail, juries, trial delay.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Restriction: LAW 482
Advanced Public Law
Advanced studies in selected areas of Public Law.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 483
International Economic Regulation
The growing array of trade and investment, or economic integration, agreements at the multilateral, regional and bilateral levels. Core concepts, theories, institutions and rules from the perspective of public international law, as well as the realpolitik of trade negotiations.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in International Relations and Business or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 485
International Criminal Law
The evolution of international criminal law, from the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals to the International Criminal Court. Topics include: the nature and sources of international criminal law; jurisdiction; individual and collective responsibility; substantive crimes and defences; alternatives to criminal trials, such as truth commissions and amnesties.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Corequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402
Restriction: LAW 489
Law of the Sea and Antarctica
A foundational study of the Law of the Sea and the law relating to Antarctica, with specialised work on contemporary legal and policy issues.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in International Relations and Business, or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 494, LAWPUBL 462
International Human Rights
An outline of the growing jurisprudence relating to international human rights law, with a particular focus on the case law of the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights; consideration of the core human rights protected, and the practicalities of how human rights cases are brought before the main adjudicatory bodies.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 496
European Public Law
An introduction to the unique organisational structure of the European Union and to its fundamental principles. Topics include: the fundamental structure of the EU; how EU law is made and by whom; the role of the European Courts, and the relationship between EU and national law; and selected areas of EU substantive law, such as the free movement of persons and goods.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in BGlobalSt courses or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 498
Nga Tikanga Māori
A study of Māori customary law. Topics that may be covered include: the content of Customary Law as it relates to Māori social and political organisation and land tenure; Customary Law’s interaction with the general (e.g., through statute or the common law); Customary Law and legal pluralism and culture theory; and the role of Customary Law in contemporary Crown-iwi relations.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Researching Indigenous Rights Theory, Law and Practice
Aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their research and writing skills, while also acquiring substantive knowledge about indigenous rights law in the context of international law; comparative law; and the domestic law of states. Students will also learn how to research indigenous rights law, for example by learning how to access materials, academic papers, and information.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Refugee Law
An overview of the international and New Zealand refugee law systems including who is a refugee, the pathways and processes for becoming a refugee, the rights of refugees. Critical approaches to the field of refugee law; discussion of contemporary challenges in the field.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 428, LAWPUBL 424
Immigration Law
An overview of the immigration issues in New Zealand. The history of immigration law; examination of some of the key issues in immigration law today including the immigration law system, citizenship, visas, deportation, appeals and judicial review of immigration decisions and national security issues. Contemporary challenges in the field.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 428, LAWPUBL 424
European Union Law
The law related to the European Union and its institutional, economic and social structure as well as the general economic and political implications of the present status of the European Union.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in BGlobalSt courses or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 424
Indigenous Peoples in International Law
An introduction to international law as it relates to Indigenous peoples including: third world approaches to international law; the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples; the relationship between international human rights and Indigenous peoples' rights; the universal human rights regime and Indigenous peoples; regional human rights systems and Indigenous peoples' rights; international economic institutions and Indigenous peoples; business and Indigenous peoples' rights and special topics relevant to Indigenous peoples in the Pacific.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Environment and Sustainable Development or Global Politics and Human Rights, or LAW 211
Statutory Interpretation: Theory and Practice
The normal mode of legal reasoning and legal argumentation proceeds by way of interpretation: of statutes, of precedents, of contracts etc. This course takes up the systematic study of statutory interpretation. Drawing on examples from different common law jurisdictions, it surveys the traditional techniques employed in the interpretation of statutes and analyses the contemporary debate between different theoretical schools such as textualism, intentionalism, purposivism and pragmatism.
Restriction: LAW 488
Counterterrorism Law and Policy
An examination of various legal issues arising out of the 'global war on terror', including: different paradigms for dealing with emergencies; difficulties of legally defining terrorism; detention of terrorist suspects; ethnic/racial profiling; electronic surveillance; coercive interrogation and torture; targeted killing; criminalisation of offences related to terrorism.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Environment and Sustainable Development or Global Politics and Human Rights, or LAW 201, 211
Restriction: LAW 467
Law of Armed Conflict
The legal rules governing the conduct of hostilities; historical and contemporary operation; associated issues, including treaties and UN peace operations.
Corequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402
Restriction: LAW 473
International Disputes Settlement
Topics are likely to include: the international law obligation to settle disputes peacefully; legal and political mechanisms for settling international disputes; the establishment and functions of the International Court of Justice; global dispute settlement bodies: dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organization, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea; regional tribunals; international criminal courts and tribunals; mixed investor-state dispute settlement.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Corequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402
The Law of Disarmament
A legal analysis of the framework governing disarmament and arms control in the international sphere, including (but not limited to) treaties such as the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Landmines Convention. Relevant case law of the International Court of Justice. The role of civil society in disarmament campaigns.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights, or LAW 211
Restriction: LAWPUBL 466
Introduction to Criminology
A study of classical and contemporary theories concerning the nature, causes and effects of crime and delinquency; the varieties of behaviour that society chooses to control or regulate; formal and informal methods and institutions used to achieve crime control; and the operation of various law enforcement, security, correctional and judicial organisations. Throughout the course attention is given to the relationship between theory and practice and students are encouraged to think critically about the implications of criminological research for criminal justice policy.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Restriction: LAWPUBL 423
Advanced Employment Law
Advanced study of both collective and individual aspects of employment law, including comparative treatment of good faith in collective bargaining and ILO conventions. Comparative treatment of tenure in employment, the 'contingent' workforce and transfer of undertakings.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 425
Restriction: LAW 460
Comparative Indigenous Law Topics
Study of law and legal issues affecting indigenous peoples in various jurisdictions.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Environment and Sustainable Development or Global Politics and Human Rights, or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 463
Aspects of Advanced International Law
Advanced studies in selected aspects of international law.
Prerequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402
Restriction: LAW 408, LAWPUBL 421
Comparative Constitutional Law
Through a comparative approach to constitutional structures, history and constitution-making, this course aims to prepare students both theoretically and practically to evaluate New Zealand’s constitution and to consider its future.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 483, LAWPUBL 431
Indigenous Rights Legal Clinic
Explores substantive international and domestic human rights law and associated legal skills taught through a combination of seminars and experiential learning.
Prerequisite: LAW 211 or 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
Law of the Sea
An examination of the history of the development of the law of the sea; the sources of the contemporary law of the sea, leading to the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; and the legal regime of various maritime zones (territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, high seas etc). Particular issues such as the settlement of disputes, maritime delimitation, maritime security, fisheries and bioprospecting are also addressed.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in International Relations and Business, or LAW 211
Restriction: LAW 494, LAWPUBL 435
Advanced Topics in Criminal Law
An examination of selected topics in criminal law and the criminal justice process of Aotearoa New Zealand, with comparison to developments in other jurisdictions. Topics may include: victims and the criminal process; restorative justice; therapeutic jurisprudence; solution-focused courts; family violence; indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system; media and crime; and imprisonment. The focus is on law-in-action and law-in-context.
Prerequisite: LAW 201
Restriction: LAWPUBL 420
Special Topic: International Law in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Students will consider international law from a New Zealand perspective. The course evaluates how international law shapes New Zealand and operates with(in) its legal system, and focuses on New Zealand’s interaction with, contribution to, and attitude towards different areas of international law.
Corequisite: LAWPUBL 402
Contemporary Issues in Disarmament Law
A study of the legal and humanitarian issues relating to arms control and disarmament, including both conventional weapons (landmines, small arms, incendiary weapons for example) and “weapons of mass destruction” (chemical, biological and nuclear weapons). Themes include the role of civil society in law-making, difficulties of verification and dispute resolution and the role of law in disarmament.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights or LAW 211
Restriction: LAWPUBL 455
Anti-corruption Law and Democracy
The global significance of corruption and its implications for self-government are explored within the context of rising economic and political inequality and illiberal populism. This course asks whether anti-corruption law can respond to democracy’s vulnerabilities and decline. It examines current economic and political trends, anti-corruption law domestically and internationally, and the potential for enhancing the law to better-protect political integrity.
Prerequisite: LAW 201, 211
Restriction: LAWHONS 735
Special Topic: Mātauranga Māori and Taonga/Cultural Property and Indigenous Intellectual Property
Cultural property topics include: the preservation of cultural heritage; the protection of cultural property during armed conflict; and the restitution and repatriation of cultural objects. Indigenous intellectual property topics include: Māori claims to mātauranga Māori and taonga, with a particular emphasis on Wai 262; and the interface between intellectual property norms and proposals for reform.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
Special Topic: Social Welfare Law, Policy and Action
Topics include: social security, social welfare benefits, social housing and ACC. Students will study the legal regimes in these areas, and engage with policy debates and critical theories about social security. Students will then use this foundation to engage in clinical work, writing submissions and acting as advocates for social security claimants who are seeking to challenge decisions.
Prerequisite: LAW 211
To complete this course students must enrol in LAWPUBL 470 A and B, or LAWPUBL 470
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
The International Legal System - Level 9
A discussion of the framework, development and theory of international law. An examination of the key concepts and fundamental principles of international law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Criminal Law and Policy - Level 9
The history and principles of criminal law, analysis of current issues in substantive and procedural criminal law, criminal justice theory, including the theory of punishment, and criminal law reform. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Restriction: LAW 715
Employment Law - Level 9
Selected and comparative studies in employment law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Restriction: LAW 725
Local Government Law - Level 9
The law relating to the structure, powers and service delivery functions of local government including: the history of local government, reorganisation schemes, powers and administrative principles, civil liability, elections, council procedures, staff employment, works contracts, financial accountability, land valuation, rating systems, environmental functions and bylaws. Consideration of related public bodies, e.g., education and health authorities. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Privacy Law - Level 9
The law governing data surveillance and techniques of social control through the use of information technology, privacy aspects of the prevention of credit and insurance fraud, criminal investigation and the balance between individual rights and commercial and/or public interests. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Public International Law - Level 9
The principles of international law and their application to municipal law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in National Law - Level 9
A study of the application of indigenous peoples’ rights in national jurisdictions including New Zealand, Canada, the United States and select Latin American states. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Comparative Indigenous Rights Law - Level 9
Study of the nature and legal protection of the rights of indigenous persons and groups in international and comparative perspective, including rights to self-government, cultural, religious and linguistic rights. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Human Rights Litigation - Level 9
Study of international conventions and customary international law on human rights, including: free speech, exercise of religion, privacy and nondiscrimination, enforcement mechanisms, human rights theories in international law, third generation human rights including rights to development and a functioning environment, and the recognition of these in international law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Fundamental Principles of Criminal Law - Level 9
Advanced study of the scope and application of fundamental principles in criminal liability. Involves significant individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
International Criminal Law - Level 9
The evolution of international criminal law, from the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals to the International Criminal Court. Topics include the nature and sources of international criminal law, jurisdiction, individual and state responsibility, substantive crimes and defences, and alternatives to criminal trials such as truth commissions and amnesties. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Special Topic: Patients' Rights - Level 9
This wide-ranging course examines key current issues in patients’ rights. Topics may include: access, quality and information, rights to access health care, how the quality of health care is assessed, limits of information disclosure, outcomes data, complaint history, resolution of patient concerns and access to justice, patient protection from incompetence and abusive practitioners and the role of professional discipline.
Regulation of Healthcare - Level 9
The regulation of healthcare in New Zealand. Topics include: the legal structure of the publicly funded health system, regulation of health practitioners, the Code of Consumers’ Rights and the HDC complaint system, professional discipline, and the role of the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Special Topic: Litigating Human Rights - Law and Practice in Comparative Perspective - Level 9
Crown and State Liability - Level 9
The availability of remedies against the state or Crown. Conceptual and practical anomalies arising under the Crown Proceedings Act 1950. The development of judicial review, both in New Zealand and in other parts of the Commonwealth, to resolve such anomalies. The potential impact of the Bill of Rights Act 1990. Analytical difficulties, and possibilities for reform. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Privacy at Common Law - Level 9
The concept of privacy; definitions; privacy-related interests. Sources of privacy law. Common law privacy protection in New Zealand and other jurisdictions, including the recognition of privacy torts and possible future developments. Specific applications. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Selected Issues in Public International Law - Level 9
Explores a selection of contemporary issues in international law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in International Law - Level 9
An in-depth study of the international law relevant to the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples. The history of the development of indigenous peoples’ rights in international law; analysis of those rights; the mechanisms in place for indigenous peoples to advocate for their rights in international fora. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Theory and History of Criminal Law and Policy - Level 9
Explores the history and principles of criminal law, criminal justice theory, including the theory of punishment with analysis of some current issues in substantive criminal law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Advanced Criminal Procedure: Selected Topics - Level 9
An in-depth examination of selected laws governing police investigations and criminal trial practice in New Zealand. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Comparative Criminal Procedure - Level 9
An examination of the law related to police investigations and criminal trial practice in Canada, United States and New Zealand. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Advanced Evidence Law in Criminal Cases - Level 9
An in-depth examination of the law governing the presentation of evidence in criminal trial proceedings under the New Zealand Evidence Act 2006. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Human Rights - Level 9
The legal framework for the protection of human rights including a consideration of the moral and jurisprudential underpinnings of modern human rights. Involves significant individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Human Rights Remedies - Level 9
A study of human rights dispute mechanisms and remedies available for breach of rights. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 774
Human Rights: Selected Topics - Level 9
A study of selected contemporary human rights issues. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 774
Human Rights in Mental Health Law - Level 9
A study of human rights issues arising in the specific context of mental health law. Involves individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 774
Issues in Search and Surveillance - Level 9
A study of current search and surveillance issues in the context of human rights law. Involves significant individual research resulting in a substantial individual research essay.
Prerequisite: LAWPUBL 774
