Major Essay
Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) makes it unlawful in Australia to engage in offensive behaviour because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin. These provisions have been politically controversial in the previous few years, with many calling for amendments to section 18C on free speech grounds.
Please review the academic literature and discuss the arguments which have been presented calling for amendment or repeal of section 18C, as well as those arguing that section 18C should be retained in its current form as a necessary protection for a multicultural Australia.
In considering this topic, ensure that you compare and contrast the various arguments which have been made, highlight any major areas of disagreement, and identify what issues (if any) have not been discussed in the literature.
Please note the following further instructions:
a. This assignment is due on 3 October (week 10) at 11:59pm and should be submitted on Blackboard via Turnitin (instructions how to submit your assignment via Turnitin will be posted on Blackboard);
b. The word limit for this assignment is 2,000 words (excluding references);
c. You must provide references consistent with the AGLC;
d. Your essay should be structured appropriately and clearly answer the question. You will be expected to analyse the question, conduct legal research using both primary and secondary legal resources, and present a satisfactory review of the relevant literature;
e. You must make reference to a minimum of 10 pieces of relevant academic literature and/or research.
f. The essay will be worth a total of 30 marks;
g. Marks will allocated according to:
- The use of relevant literature and research;
- The strength and clarity of your presentation of the various arguments contained in the literature;
- The structure of your literature review, quality of your written expression and your referencing.
h. For more details regarding allocation of marks for this essay, please see the Essay Marking Guide on the following page.
i. For further advice regarding what a literature review entails, please see the following sources:
a. Jennifer Moore's library guide to writing a literature review: https://ecu.au.libguides.com/academic-writing/literature-review
b. ECU's academic tip sheet on how to write a literature review: https://intranet.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/20621/literature_review.pdf
c. The Academic Skills Centre in the Faculty of Business and Law also has a helpsheet on how to write a literature review. They are located at Joondalup Campus: Building 2, Room 2.133, and can also be contacted by email at the following email address: [email protected]