Pacific Legal Studies

Description

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the key features of Pacific legal systems as well as providing a basic understanding of selected Pacific jurisdictions. In an increasingly global world, it is vital for law graduates to understand how other legal systems work. New Zealand is situated in the Pacific region, with a significant Pasifika population, and it is important that New Zealand law students are able to gain an understanding of legal systems in the wider Pacific region.

The course begins by introducing the Pacific as a region including its recent history of colonisation and independence, and the current impact of globalisation. An introductory session will consider research methodologies including comparative law method and Pasifika research methodologies. The substantive sessions in the first half of the course will then consider the key topics of constitutional law, land law and family law in the Pacific region.

The second half of the course will be taught through case studies. This method helps students develop a substantive knowledge of contemporary legal challenges and opportunities in the Pacific region. These case studies draw on staff expertise in the School of Law, other UC departments and guest lecturers. The case studies will vary from year to year, but will include topics as diverse as custom and human rights, women in the Pacific, environmental issues (eg law of the sea and fisheries, natural resource depletion, climate change, food security, water management), trade issues, corruption and anti-corruption, the realm of New Zealand (Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau), West Papua, disaster management, and regionalism in the Pacific. This half of the course will also include an opportunity to engage with Pasifika lawyers based in New Zealand.