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This course examines the intersection between education and the law in New Zealand. It combines legal theory with practical legal challenges that education professionals may confront. The course assumes no prior legal training and covers areas such as statutory interpretation, judicial review, employment law and privacy law, as well as issues relating to school discipline and child protection. There is scope for students to research in an area of education law that is of interest to them.
Education Law is the law that pertains to the constituting and functioning of educational systems, institutions or departments. It therefore draws on elements from and requires an understanding of a wide variety of legal specialisations. This course begins with an examination of how laws are made, interpreted and applied including a consideration of the roles played by legislative and judicial bodies and how these roles intersect and, at time, clash. This topic is discussed in the context of how educational institutions are held to account and, in turn, may hold other parties to account through the legal system.The course covers aspects of statutory interpretation, judicial review, employment law and privacy law, as well as issues relating to school discipline, child protection and relating to the legal profession. There will be scope for students to pursue particular elements of education law of interest to them.The course content consists of video presentations, guides to legal research, interaction through adobe connect sessions, chat forums on Learn, guest lectures from legal experts, and readings of articles, statutes and judgments from leading cases.The course is designed for educational leaders and scholars and aims to orient towards the practical whilst being grounded in a sound understanding of legal theory.
Students will be able to:Demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of law that affect education in New ZealandIdentify the nature of legal risks and problems in educational contextsImplement solutions to legal challenges in educationConduct research in relevant areas of the law
Subject to the approval of the Head of School
David Small
Domestic fee $1,740.00
International Postgraduate fees
* 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 School of Educational Studies and Leadership .