Key facts

UNE unit code: LLM450

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Not offered in 2026
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Elder law addresses the legal issues facing older people in contemporary Australia—an issue of growing importance with an ageing population. The unit includes issues such as: elder abuse, substitute and supported decision making, mental capacity, accommodation options for older people, age discrimination, Centrelink benefits, grandparents’ rights and the financial implications of choices made by the older person for the entire family.

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
any 24cps
Restrictions
LAW250
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Julia Day
Julia DaySenior Lecturer - School of Law
Susan Field

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. apply legal reasoning to contemporary elder law issues impacting older Australians;
  2. critically evaluate the effectiveness of the current legislation governing elder law issues;
  3. apply research skills and legal knowledge towards the development of legislative changes;
  4. critically evaluate the instruments relevant to the needs of the older client and develop recommendations for change; and
  5. communicate effectively with older clients and relevant professionals.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Take Home ExamYes60%All offerings

No. Words: 3000

Note: an overall mark of 50% is required to pass this unit

Written assignmentYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Note: an overall mark of 50% is required to pass this unit

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Elder Law - A Guide to Working with Older Australians

ISBN: 9781760021825

Sue Field, Carolyn Sappideen, Karen Williams, Federation Press First 2018

Text refers to: All offerings

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