MLL228 - Alternative Dispute Resolution: Principles and Practice

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Online
Credit point(s):1
Previously coded as:MLL328
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Tania Penovic
Prerequisite:

Students must have passed MLP213

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: MLL328
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour on-campus lecture (recordings provided) and 1 x 1 hour on-campus seminar (recordings provided) each week 

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online lecture (recordings provided) and 1 x 1 hour online seminar (recordings provided) each week 

Content

There has been an exponential developments of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs both inside and outside the courts in Australia over the last three decades. As a growing number of clients choose to settle their disputes outside of the courtroom, it is becoming increasingly critical for contemporary lawyers to understand how ADR works, what areas it covers, and how it can be used more effectively. This unit on Alternative Dispute Resolution is the study of alternatives to court adjudication. This unit provides a broad overview of legal issues relevant to negotiators, mediators, arbitrators, and policy makers. It is designed to provide an in-depth examination of the legal issues surrounding ADR. This unit focuses on the primary processes of ADR, namely: negotiation, mediation, arbitration (including domestic and international commercial arbitration) and hybrid procedures.

The unit covers a wide range of topics, including theories of conflict resolution, the multi-door approach to dispute resolution, principles and characteristics of ADR, the negotiation process, neutrality and impartiality of mediator, international commercial arbitration, ADR in family conflicts, restorative justice programs, and confidentiality and admissibility in ADR processes.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Explain the development and application of ADR processes in Australia for the settlement of commercial community and family disputes.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Identify and reflect on the sources and dynamics of conflicts, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to resolving disputes 

GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Apply legal knowledge, key ADR methods, and communication skills by working collaboratively to facilitate solutions to legal disputes.  

GLO2: Communication
GLO7: Teamwork

ULO4

Explain and evaluate major controversial issues surrounding ADR. 

GLO4: Critical thinking

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: ADR exercise

Part A: (Group of 5) Video Recording  

Part B: (Individual) Written reflection  

Part A: 12 minutes 

Part B: 1000 words 

Part A: 15% 

Part B: 25%

Part A: Week 8

Part B: Week 9

End-of-unit assessment task: Written 2000 words 60% End-of-unit assessment period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: MLL228 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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