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This course offers an introduction to the law and legal systems in Pacific island countries and territories. It examines customary law and its relationship with state law against a background of legal pluralism and cultural relativism. It provides students with the opportunity to place law within a regional context and undertake research of regional significance. This course may be available to students enrolled in other degrees (with waiver of co-requisites). This course is offered in alternate years.
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.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:Understand, interpret and evaluate key elements of legal systems in Pacific Island states;Understand, interpret and evaluate the relationship between custom law and state law in Pacific Island legal systems;Understand, interpret and evaluate current legal challenges and opportunities in Pacific legal systems;Communicate orally and in writing in a persuasive and effective manner.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
LAWS202-LAWS206
Natalie Baird
John Hopkins
The assessment is likely to consist of a seminar portfolio, a research essay, an oral presentation, and a reflection.The assessment will be confirmed in the first week of lectures.
Domestic fee $845.00
International fee $4,313.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Faculty of Law .