Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM541
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This highly topical unit provides you with a broad understanding of environmental issues and the role of law both as part of the problem and as an attempt to provide solutions.
You will examine constitutional issues, Commonwealth environmental legislation, common law remedies and likely future directions in environmental law. The legal regime is considered in the broader context of law and society. Throughout, you will build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills to future proof your career.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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:
- demonstrate specialist and an advanced understanding of the nature and scope of the constitutional framework for environmental management as well as the relevant legislation and common law principles;
- use autonomy and cognitive skills to critically reflect, investigate and analyse the effectiveness of common law principles and the regulatory regime in relation to environmental management;
- use initiative and judgement to analyse critically, synthesise and consolidate legal concepts, values and principles of environmental management in regard to legal policy; and
- use legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to coherently communicate independent opinions on legal issues relevant to environmental management matters and consider future approaches and assessments of the development of the relevant law.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is an oral examination during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Students will be required to prepare and deliver a 15 minute presentation and the examiner will ask questions on the subject matter of the presentation for a further 15 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Research Paper | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3500 |
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.
Environmental Law
ISBN: 9780195522297
Godden, L., Peel, J. and McDonald, J., Oxford 2nd ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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