LibGuides: Government, Property & Legal Subject Guide: Legal Studies

A guide to resources and information to support courses in the LEGAL STUDIES course area at TAFE SA.
Presented by TAFE SA Libraries

Online resources

Alternative dispute resolution With the court system in Australia often requiring people to endure protracted and expensive procedures, alternative means of resolving disputes are increasingly important - not just to ensure that disputes are settled fairly and justly, but to also relieve pressure on the court system. Aimed at senior level students of legal studies, this programme outlines a range of alternative dispute resolutions, how they work, their suitability for different situations and their effectiveness. Mediation, negotiation, arbitration and collaborative approaches to law are examined in detail as alternative means of resolving disputes, and a range of areas where disputes commonly surface are explored - including family, workplace, property and consumer affairs. Lawyer, Catherine Gale offers a variety of expert comments on various aspects covered. This programme is a perfect introduction to the nature and mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution accessible to people every day, and would also be suitable for teachers of SOSE, Ethics and English Issues who are exploring the broader areas of social justice and equity in society.
Appreciating diversity Review: It is important that organisations respect the diverse backgrounds of their employees and work with them to maximize skill sets to use diverse backgrounds for the good of the business. Carol returns from vacation to find that Marcus has hired two non-English speakers, to develop diversity at work. Carol and her boss Serena have concerns about their minimum English and the consequent perceptions of Cutting Edge Corporation appearing unprofessional. Carlos and Tammy manage to retain their positions and all the staff are now required to help them improve their English.
Australia's National WHS Legislation Review: New Work Health and Safety legislation came into effect in some Australian states and territories on 1st January 2012. It was developed to harmonise the laws affecting workplace safety in Australia by replacing existing state based OH&S legislation. This interview led programme gives a brief history of the development of workplace safety in Australia, the development and need for the new WHS laws, defines key terms in the system, and explains changes to incident notification and offence categories. Craig Salter, from Action OHS consulting, provides clear, detailed explanations of the WHS legislation. A production for the TAFE market and employment sectors, it provides an understanding of the new WHS legislation as well as showing that Workplace safety is a system of change.
Capital Punishment Execution has often been praised as a warning to others, but with the emergence of the police as a viable deterrent to crime, is it still necessary? The death penalty is still legal in 78 countries and over 2,000 people are executed every year. This video asks whether the tabloid portrayal of some murderers as monsters has influenced how they are punished. Does vengeance underpin public expectations of punishment in the 21st century?
Court procedures in criminal and civil law This programme discusses the differences between criminal and civil procedures. It focuses on the role the Magistrates Court plays in dealing with summary and indictable offences and the trial procedure in the County Court. It looks at the purpose of pre-trial civil procedures in exposing all evidence in order to reach an out-of-court settlement. How civil disputes are resolved and how this differs from that of a criminal trial. The programme concludes, comparing the different outcomes that are available to a judge in a criminal dispute and to a judge or jury in a civil dispute
Crime and deviance In this programme we take a journey through time to show how ideas about crime have moved in and out of fashion, how some of the latest strategies of crime prevention go back to the 19th century and how thinking about crime and deviance is influenced by wider social changes.
The Criminal Investigation Process This exceptional programme examines the criminal investigation process in Australia via the dramatised story of an armed robbery at a typical suburban convenience store. We provide an introduction to the role of police and the responsibility of citizens to report crime, followed by a detailed procedural overview of collecting evidence, arresting suspects, detention, charging, summons, bail and remand. With realistic dramatisations, amazing access to a real police station – including temporary detention cells and interview rooms – and expert insight from a detective sergeant and a solicitor, this programme is a must-have introduction to the criminal investigation process in Australia.
Cyberbullying Identify, Understand, Prevent Teenagers are an online population. They use the Internet, mobile phones, instant messaging, and text messaging to talk to friends, gather information, post photos, check out sports scores, and practice their social skills on a larger population. However, this tech-savvy generation faces extensive exposure to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is not an uncommon occurrence among teens and the incidence is increasing. This programme examines the types and effects of cyberbullying, real life stories of victims and their perpetrators as well as protective strategies to combat this serious crime for the youth of today.
Generational diversity Review: Different ages working together is not new, but the phenomenon of three ‘generations’ – Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y - all working together is both complex and fascinating.This title highlights the key features of different workforce age groups and the resulting issues for managers and those involved in recruiting, developing and retaining staff.The leader’s guide, workbook and video combine to create a complete package of ‘generation basics’ which can be used to build a higher level of awareness and develop strategies to improve workplace relationships, tap into expertise, and retain talent.This title will be beneficial across many levels of an organisation, from business owners to trainers to team members working in cross-generational groups.
Government and law making https://tafesa.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?CF=GEN&BRN=260404
An introduction to criminal and civil law The programme focuses on the differences between criminal and civil law. It begins with a brief description of legal and non-legal rules. It examines what constitutes a criminal act, the difference between a summary and indictable offence and the principles of criminal liability. The programme discusses civil law and its purpose in society while looking at the two major branches of civil law, Law of Torts and Law of Contract and how to decide whether a situation is part of criminal law or civil law or both.
The law reform process In every modern society the laws that govern its citizens are complex and vital. From traffic law and tax law, through to criminal and family law, there are laws that relate to every part of our lives. Laws play a fundamental role in keeping social order in the world, but what happens when society changes and a law becomes outdated? In this programme we examine how laws are reviewed and changed; we delve into why we change laws; the role of formal law reform bodies, individuals, parliament and courts in changing the law, as well as the factors that sometimes delay change.
Playing Your Part 1 Diversity in the Workplace Review: In workplaces, as in any other part of society, people are diverse. They come from different cultures, they have different belief systems, values and religions. There is diversity in interpersonal styles, mental ability, sexual orientation, physical characteristics and capabilities, and thinking and learning styles. In workplaces, as in any other part of society, people are diverse. They come from different cultures, they have different belief systems, values and religions. There is diversity in interpersonal styles, mental ability, sexual orientation, physical characteristics and capabilities, and thinking and learning styles. This presenter-led production examines diversity in the workplace using various dramatised scenarios from the offices of Nirvana Road Wealth Creations, whose staff reflect the sort of diversity that is characteristic of many contemporary workplaces. The five chapters focus on the scope of diversity, responding sensitively, knowing the guidelines, communicating appropriately and building on diversity. This is an excellent resource for anyone examining the nature of diversity within the workplace and ways for all personnel within an organisation to effectively work with it.
Rights and Responsibilities for Young People We live in a society governed by a set of laws. Laws keep us safe, to help us resolve our problems, and to stop people causing harm to others. Every citizen has certain rights and responsibilities as set out by the law - if you do the wrong thing then you're responsible. But at what age is a person considered old enough to be responsible for breaking the law? And should we expect the same level of behaviour from children as we do adults? In this informative programme we look at the age of criminal responsibility, the rights of children when arrested, the children's court, penalties imposed on young offenders and alternatives to court.
Switch on Respect Review: 'Switch on Respect' is aimed at helping everyone at all levels to maintain a respectful non-judgmental attitude. Section one of this instructional program covers general dislikes, prejudices and racism and the need to be open and learn. Section two explores overcoming judgmental and uncaring reactions. Section three helps move beyond false beliefs, assumptions and ignorance. And section four covers skills and actions for changing and forgiving. This program is an excellent resource for managing attitudinal, discrimination and diversity training.
Tort law Sometimes our everyday actions and choices have significant impact on the experience of other people, even affecting their level of comfort and safety. When an individual breaches the civil rights of another, it is known as a civil wrong or Tort. This programme outlines the definition and purpose of Tort law, including negligence, nuisance, trespass and defamation. What can you do when you find an insect in your food or when your neighbour is constantly noisy? Viewers will see how such problems can be addressed and several legal experts explain how Tort Law was developed.
Workplace Health and Safety Review: Today's workplaces are becoming more complex and technologically advanced, which is benefiting us all. However, this increased complexity brings new hazards for workers. Employees need to be aware of the potential hazards and risks in their workplaces in order to minimise or eliminate workplace accidents.Through the exploration of scenarios from a number of different industries, this programme looks at the key issues involved in health and safety in the workplace. We investigate common hazards in detail, discuss the overall benefits of safe workplaces and why occupational health and safety is important to everyone. Learn these important lessons before it is too late.

Hover over "information" icon () next to each item to see a description.

Attorney-General's Department (Federal) The Attorney-General's Department delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework. Through the Australian Government Solicitor, we also provide legal services to the Commonwealth (including legal advice and representation). The department is the central policy and coordinating element of the Attorney-General's portfolio. Our department is structured into three groups:Australian Government Solicitor, Civil Justice and Corporate and Criminal Justice and National Security.
Attorney General's Department (South Australia) The Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) promotes justice by protecting the rights of all South Australians, holding people to account according to the law, improving safety, and contributing to an efficient and fair justice system.
Australasian Legal Information Institute (Austlii) Provides free access to Australian court cases and legislation e.g. Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986
Australian Law Reform Commission The ALRC conducts inquiries—also known as references—into areas of law at the request of the Attorney-General of Australia. Based on its research and consultations throughout an inquiry, the ALRC makes recommendations to government so that government can make informed decisions about law reform. ALRC recommendations do not automatically become law, however over 85 per cent of ALRC reports have been either substantially or partially implemented—making it one of the most effective and influential agents for legal reform in Australia. The ALRC is part of the Attorney-General's portfolio, however it is independent of government and is able to undertake research, consultations and legal policy development, and to make recommendations that: bring the law into line with current conditions and needs remove defects in the law simplify the law adopt new or more effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice, and provide improved access to justice.
Consumer and Business Advice Consumer protection and compliance with relevant laws are pivotal components of our current work plan. A range of activities and approaches are used to ensure compliance with legislated standards and a set of priority guidelines are used to balance resource utilisation and maximise effectiveness in this area
Courts Administration Authority of South Australia Contains links to sentencing remarks and judgements
Federal Court of Australia
Foolkit : the free legal toolkit One stop shop for free legal information for lawyers and the general public. Foolkit takes you straight to a section of an Act. There is a search tool for Austlii (The Courts pages have legislation and rules, contact details, forms and fees, daily lists and more.
Government of South Australia Links to State Departments, Parliament, Ministers and Local and Federal Government
Law Handbook Online Contains an overview of the law in South Australia presented in everyday language
Lawlex Browse or search by keywords Commonwealth and State Legistation. You will need to subscribe to receive legislative alerts
Law Society of South Australia The principal mission of the Society is "to serve the legal profession in South Australia by performing its duties and responsibilities as a public authority as set out in the Legal Practitioners Act 1981 representing its Members and preserving the integrity of the justice system."
Legal Services Commission of South Australia The Legal Services Commission (the Commission) is funded by both the South Australian and the Commonwealth Governments to provide legal assistance to South Australians. It is established by the Legal Services Commission Act 1977 (SA) and is a statutory authority, independent of Government. The Commission provides legal assistance: - through the provision of legal advice and community legal education, and - by providing legal representation for those who are most in need and unable to pay for legal representation.

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Drug law reform debate by Justin Healey Illicit drug use is a significant justice, health, economic and social welfare issue. This book examines the prevalence of illicit drug use in Australia, and presents a range of arguments in the drug policy reform debate, including the questionable deterrence value of criminal sanctions versus controversial proposals for the relaxation of drug laws through decriminalisation and legalisation.
ISBN: 9781922084590
Publication Date: 2014
Ethics and Criminal Justice by Kleinig, J Shows students the main ethical questions that confront the criminal justice system, illustrated by a range of case studies.
Call Number: Cambridge Applied Ethics
ISBN: 9780511385957
Publication Date: 2008
I'm Not Racist But … 40 Years of the Racial Discrimination Act by Tim Soutphommasane CONTENTS -- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS -- Contributors -- TIMELINE -- INTRODUCTION -- 1. Race In Australia: A Short Historical Account -- 2. The Racial Discrimination Act: Equality and Dignity in the Law -- 3. Freedom of Speech and It's Limits: Is There a Rght to be a Bigot? -- 4. Casual Racism and Bigotry: The Many Faces of Prejudice and Discrimination -- 5. Empathy and Privilege: Putting Yourself in Another's Shoes -- 6. Friendship: The Civic Bonds of Patriotism -- AFTERWORD -- RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT 1975 -- NOTES -- INDEX Summary: Race continues to be a lightning rod of public debate. Australia may be relaxed and comfortable about many things, but it remains unsettled about matters of race and culture.The Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) is Australia's first federal human rights legislation. A landmark law, the RDA has had a profound impact on race relations.Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the RDA, this book provides a considered, accessible reflection on Australian racism, the limits of free speech, the moral and philosophical dimensions of bigotry, and the role of the RDA in our society's response to discrimination.
ISBN: 9781742247342
Publication Date: 2015

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Resources held in the library

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An introduction to the law of contract by Stephen Graw 1. An introduction to the Australian legal system -- 2. An introduction to contract -- 3. The offer -- 4. Acceptance -- 5. Intention to be bound -- 6. Consideration -- 7. Capacity to contract -- 8. Privity of contract -- 9. Contents of a contract -- 10. Exempting, excluding and limiting terms -- 11. Mistake -- 12. Misrepresentation -- 13. Duress, undue influence and unconscionability -- 14. Illegal and void contracts -- 15. Discharging a contract -- 16. Remedies -- 17. Contracting electronically.
ISBN: 9780455239897
Publication Date: 2017
Uniform evidence law by Stephen Odgers 1. Preliminary -- 2. Adducing evidence -- 3. Admissibility of evidence -- 4. Proof -- 5. Miscellaneous -- 6. Transitional matters for Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT only) -- 7. Transitional matters for Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Amendment Act 2013 (NT only) -- 8. Transitional matters for Evidence (National Uniform Legislation) Amendment (Journalist Privilege) Act 2018 (NT only) -- Schedule -- Dictionary -- App. A. Evidence Regulations 1995 (Cth) -- App. B. Evidence Regulations 2015 (NSW) -- App. C. Evidence Regulations 2009 (Vic) -- App. D. Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958 (Vic) -- App. E. Rights of a person recognised by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -- App. F. Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) (extracts) -- App. G. Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) (extracts) -- App. H. Table of Notices (Commonwealth) -- App. I. Table of Notices (NSW) -- App. J. Table of Notices (Victoria) -- App. K. Table of Notices (ACT) -- App. L. Table of Notices (NT) -- App. M. Evidence Act 2001 (Tas) - related information -- Index.
ISBN: 9780455501024
Publication Date: 2016
Uniform Evidence Law Guidebook by John Anderson; Anthony Hopkins 1. Getting into evidence -- 2. Proof and presumptions -- 3. Roles of judge and jury and the judicial discretion to exclude evidence -- 4. Witnesses and adducing evidence -- 5. Documentary and real evidence -- 6. Privileges and immunities -- 7. Hearsay and exceptions -- 8. Admissions -- 9. Opinions, judgments and convictions -- 10. Disposition evidence I: credibility and character -- 11. Disposition evidence II: tendency and coincidence -- 12. Identification evidence.
ISBN: 9780195523805
Publication Date: 2014-12-01
Understanding business law by Stephen Graw Provides an updated overview of subjects affecting business, including the Australian legal system, contracts, sale of goods, agency, consumer credit, bailment, intellectual property and insurance law.
ISBN: 9780409338157
Publication Date: 2015

We also have these DVDs:

Court procedures in criminal and civil law
DPP open day : from crime to court "On February 10th 2006 the first South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Open Day was held in the main auditorium of the University of South Australia. This two DVD package covers the crime scenario and each specialist speaker. It is suggested that you view the crime scenario first followed by each speaker in sequential order. The following speakers appear on the DVD: The Crime, First Attending Police, Forensic Science, Investigation Officer, Committal Solicitor, Witness Assistance, General Solicitor, The Trial Process and Sentencing."
Eyewitness series (episodes 1-3) Did you really see what you think you did? Most of the time people can rely on their perception but it's moments of crisis when our powers of perception are at their least reliable - right when we need them most! In this episode, a pub brawl ends in a fatal stabbing - but can our witnesses provide an accurate account of what they saw? Greater Manchester Police, which gave the series unprecedented access to its criminal investigation procedures, treats this crime scenario as if it were real, testing its own interview techniques and piecing together what officers think happened. An eye-opening exploration of the eyewitness phenomenon.
An introduction to criminal and civil law
Justice with Michael Sandel (vols. 1 & 2) In these interviews, Michael Sandel, Professor of Political Philosophy at Harvard University, Massachusetts, sets forth his views on what is needed for self-government to survive under modern conditions. Sandel examines isses such as democracy, citizenship, equality and ethics.
Mabo : the life of an island man Award winning film about Eddie Mabo and his triumph of justice in one of the most important developments in Australian history. Features interviews with his family, including his wife Bonita and son Eddie Jr., as well as influential friends such as Noel Loos and Henry Reynolds
On trial series (5 episodes) On Trial is a groundbreaking, five part documentary series featuring unprecendented access to major criminal trials in Australian courts. For the first time cameras have been granted full access to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the District Court of NSW where criminal cases are dealt with before judge and jury. The series features a murder trial, a major assault, and a robbery and assault trial
Rights and responsibilities for young people
The law of torts
Unfair dismissal and the Fair Work Act 2009 This production deals with both an unlawful dismissal and an unfair dismissal. The industrial law in Australia has undergone significant changes over the past 10 years which is very hard for students, workers or employers to keep up with the law. This production will explain unfair dismissal in easily understood terms. It is important for everyone to clearly understand their rights at work. For anyone involved with the employment or management of staff this DVD will be an essential learning tool.

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Subjects: Government, Property & Legal, Information Technology