Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW364
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
There’s a growing awareness that First Peoples’ laws, knowledges and cultures make a vital contribution to sustainable natural resource management and caring for country.
First Peoples’ ownership and control of their lands, cultural property and knowledges are human rights, recognised in international law and essential to ensuring community wellbeing, as well as achieving social justice.
In Australia, native title, cultural heritage and intellectual property laws have emerged and evolved to give expression to these rights.
In this unit, you will critically examine the legal frameworks for recognition of First Peoples’ rights regarding country, culture and knowledge from international and comparative perspectives.
Knowledge of these issues is invaluable for fields such as native title and cultural heritage, mining and natural resource management, environmental law, intellectual property and human rights.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- explain key aspects of Australian law, policy and practice in relation to native title and how it relates to broader issues of Aboriginal culture and law;
- critically analyse and evaluate case law, legislation and commentary in relation to native title and policy with reference to international legal frameworks, comparative contexts and Indigenous perspectives;
- evaluate complex legal issues in the context of native title and propose strategies for law reform and development; and
- demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to resolve legal problems.
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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Forum Participation | Yes | 10% | All offerings | |
| Research Essay | Yes | 50% | All offerings | 2500 words |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings |
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.
Native Title in Australia
ISBN: 9780409350920
Bartlett, Richard, LexisNexis Butterworths 4th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Australian Native Title Law
ISBN: 9780455228846
Perry, M. and Lloyd, S., Thomson Reuters 2nd ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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