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Fraud, Forgery and Dishonesty - LAWS8994
Library Lawn

 
Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Postgraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: Academic Program must be either 9200, 9210, 5740, 9230, 9231, 5231, 9285 or 5285
 
 
Excluded: JURD7378, JURD7594, LAWS3478
 
 
CSS Contribution Charge:Band 3 (more info)
 
 
Tuition Fee:See Tuition Fee Schedule
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Fraud-based crimes continue to be a major cost to business and the community. In 2010 the NSW government introduced a new regime of fraud and forgery offences, for the first time creating identity fraud offences. This course provides a detailed examination of those new laws and the underlying concept of dishonesty. Comparisons are made with alternative approaches to fraud offences nationally and internationally. This legal analysis is balanced with a broader examination of the context in which fraud occurs. Topics examined include the influence of the internet on types and methods of frauds – particularly identity fraud, the causes of fraud, the motivations of offenders, and the historical development of fraud laws. A key question examined is whether dishonesty is an appropriate basis for identifying and criminalising conduct – and its broader implications for business regulation.

The course is taught in a blended online and face to face format. There are two full day face to face classes - one held at the beginning and another towards the end of semester. The rest of the course conducted through online discussion boards.


LLM Specialisations

Recommended Prior Knowledge

None

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, it is expected that students will:
  • Understand the main legal concepts and principles of fraud law in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions
  • Be able to identify and apply the appropriate offence to prohibited conduct, demonstrating this ability in answers to short problem questions
  • Appreciate the complexity of the social and political history in which these offences have developed and current issues with their scope and enforcement
  • Be able to engage with policy debates on law reform in this area
  • Have completed an independent research essay on a topic related to fraud law

Main Topics

  • Fraudulence and dishonesty
  • Approaches to fraud laws
  • NSW fraud laws and international comparisons
  • Forgery laws and their relevance
  • Internet and identity fraud
  • Motivations of fraud offenders

Assessment

Class participation Preparation and engagement in class 25%
Short problem questions 3 questions, 8% each, plus bonus mark 25%
Topic outline and literature review 500 words 5%
Research essay
4,000 words
 45%
 

Course Texts

Prescribed
Course Materials - order from UNSW Bookshop

Recommended
Refer to course materials.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.