Faculty of Law

FACULTY GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE

1. FACULTY

1.1 MEMBERSHIP

The membership of the Faculty is as prescribed in Clause 4 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'4.(1) Each faculty comprises:

(a) the academic staff in all schools, centres and institutes funded by the faculty; and

(b) as many academic staff from other schools, centres, and institutes which teach in the faculty's courses as the Academic Board determines;

(c) members in any other categories which the Academic Board approves; and

(d) any other persons which the members in paragraphs (a) to (c) appoint for specified periods.

(2) The Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Chair of the Academic Board, Registrar and any other officers of the University which the Academic Board declares, are ex-officio members of all faculties but are not counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting.

(3) A faculty is properly constituted even if any of the members required by its constitution to be elected or nominated have not as yet been elected or nominated.'

and comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty;

(b) the Associate Dean of the Faculty;

(c) all academic staff, including postgraduate research staff, as defined in Clause 1 of Statute 8 in the School of Law and centres funded by it, who hold full-time or 50 per cent or greater fractional appointments;

(d) the President and the Education Vice-President of the Blackstone Society, and two other student members undertaking the LLB degree elected annually by and from that society;

(e) a student, nominated by the Blackstone Society, enrolled in a PhD, a master's degree, or a graduate diploma;

(f) the Chief Justice of Western Australia, or nominee, who must be a judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia;

(g) four persons nominated by the Law Society of Western Australia, of whom two, where practicable, must be involved in the teaching of courses towards the degree of Bachelor of Laws;

(h) two persons nominated by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia;

(i) such other persons as may be co-opted by the foregoing members from time to time, provided that each is co-opted for a period not exceeding two years and may be co-opted again at the end of a period of office.

(j) the Faculty Administrative Officer; and

(k) the Faculty Manager.

1.2 POWERS

The powers of the Faculty are set out in Clause 6 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'6.(1) A faculty, subject to the Statutes and regulations and to resolutions of the Senate, and within the constraints of University policies, has power to determine the administration of courses under its governance.'

1.3 MEETINGS

Meetings are held in accordance with Clause 7 of Statute 8 which reads as follows:

'7.(1) Meetings of a faculty are held—

(a) at least once in each academic year; and

(b) within ten working days of the service on its Dean, of a requisition signed by at least six members of the faculty and containing a statement of the matters to be discussed; and

(c) whenever its Dean sees fit.

(2) The Dean must ensure that, as far as is practicable, all members receive the agenda for a meeting of the faculty at least three working days before the meeting.

(3) Meetings of a faculty are chaired by the Dean or the Deputy Dean, but in their absence, the members present determine which one of them will take the chair.

(4) All questions which are before a faculty are decided by a majority of the members present and voting, unless the Faculty determines otherwise in its governance document.

(5) The chair of the meeting has an ordinary vote and a casting vote.

(6) Subject to the Statutes and regulations and to resolutions of the Senate, a faculty has the power to regulate its own procedures, but if a dispute arises, the standing orders of the Senate apply.'

1.4 QUORUM

One third of the membership of the Faculty or 18 members, whichever is the lesser, constitutes a quorum.

2. FACULTY OFFICERS

2.1 DEAN

The role of the Dean is as prescribed by Senate Resolution 102/93 which states:

'that the ... Deans have:

(a) a Faculty executive role such that they will be bound by Faculty resolutions that cover research, teaching, academic structures and academic processes;

(b) delegated authority from the Vice-Chancellor to manage University resources and to implement Faculty plans, University policies and priorities.'

2.1.1 Reporting Procedures

By Senate Resolution 102/93:

'(a) the Dean is required to report biennially to the Senate through the Academic Council, on the Faculty's achievements against the Faculty plan;

(b) the Dean's report is presented to the Faculty whose comments are submitted to Academic Council at the same time as the Dean's report.'

2.2 DEPUTY DEAN

The appointment of the Deputy Dean is in accordance with Clause 11 of Statute 8 which states that:

'(11) the Vice-Chancellor, after taking appropriate advice, appoints for a specified period a deputy for each dean who performs the duties of the dean during the dean's absence.'

2.3 ASSOCIATE DEAN

The appointment of the Associate Dean is in accordance with Clause 12 of Statute 8 which states that:

'(12) with the approval of the Academic Board, through its chair, the Dean may delegate any of the duties and responsibilities of the office to other officers or members of the Faculty for a specified period.'

2.3.1 Associate Dean (Undergraduate)

The Dean has delegated to the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) power to make decisions on undergraduate student matters and may delegate power to make decisions on other academic matters.

The Associate Dean (Undergraduate) has the following delegated responsibilities:

(a) provide advice on and administer undergraduate student matters;

(b) assist with the development of Faculty policy; and

(c) deal with matters as delegated by the Dean.

2.3.2 Method of Appointment

The position of Associate Dean (Undergraduate) is appointed by the Academic Board, through its Chair, on the recommendation of the Dean, and will normally be appointed for a period of two years.

2.4 DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

The role of the Director of Postgraduate Studies is to administer postgraduate student matters in relation to—

(a) prospective and enrolled postgraduate candidates;

(b) supervisory arrangements for research candidates; and to

(c) report to the Faculty on the postgraduate programme;

(d) chair the Governing Board of Doctor of Juridical Science;

(e) chair the Higher Degrees Committee; and

(f) act as Course Controller for all postgraduate courses.

2.4.1 Method of Appointment

The Director of Postgraduate Studies is appointed by the Faculty on the recommendation of the Dean and will normally be appointed for a period of two years. 

2.5 FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

The Faculty Administrative Officer has delegated responsibility to administer the Faculty's academic programmes including:

(a) ensuring Faculty compliance with, and providing advice as necessary on, external legislation, University legislation, policy and procedures and Faculty legislation, policies and procedures in academic administration;

(b) administering admission/selection processes in accordance with University and Faculty policies and specific course regulations and ensuring that student enrolments comply with course regulations;

(c) preparing detailed agendas and minutes for Faculty committees and forwarding minutes and other documentation to Academic Council/Legislative Committee in accordance with the written requirements of those bodies.

2.6 FACULTY MANAGER

The Faculty Manager has delegated responsibility for the overall administration of the Faculty including, in particular, responsibility to—

(a) assist the Dean in the execution of his/her duties;

(b) ensure that there is an effective interface between the Faculty and the Central Administration and committee system;

(c) provide supervision of, and training for, Faculty office staff;

(d) ensure effective compliance with statutory requirements and other legal imperatives of University governance;

(e) oversee all matters of students and academic administration;

(f) initiate, develop, maintain, monitor and evaluate strategic plans and the resultant operational plans;

(g) initiate, develop and administer appropriate Faculty budget distribution models; and

(h) manage the Faculty budget.

3. COMMITTEES OF THE FACULTY

3.1 BOARD OF EXAMINERS

3.1.1 Functions

The Board of Examiners in the Faculty of Law, makes all decisions on examination results and reports them to the Registrar. The Board also has powers delegated by the Faculty to make decisions on admission to honours, award of honours, student satisfactory progress, and prizes in accordance with Faculty policy.

3.1.2 Membership

The board comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate); and

(c) all teaching members of the Faculty.

3.1.3 Meetings

The board normally meets early in the year after the deferred or supplementary examinations, and after the mid-year and end-of-year examinations.

3.2 LAW ADVISORY BOARD

3.2.1 Functions

The role of the Advisory Board is to provide an external perspective on the Faculty's strategic direction including advice on—

(a) the directions and scope of the Faculty's curriculum in relation to the profession;

(b) the directions and scope of the Faculty's community-related activities;

(c) the development and maintenance of links with the profession;

(d) marketing of the Faculty's courses;

(e) sponsorship and fundraising;

(f) consulting and professional development opportunities;

(g) quality assurance;

(h) the Faculty's performance in meeting the objectives of its strategic plan; and

(i) any other issues identified from time to time by the Faculty.

3.2.2 Membership

The board comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(c) a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Faculty;

(d) the Solicitor General;

(e) a representative of the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia;

(f) a representative of the Law Society of Western Australia nominated by the Law Society;

(g) two members of academic staff elected by the Faculty;

(h) up to three co-opted external persons chosen by the Faculty on the basis of their involvement in the profession, relevant to the work of the Faculty.

3.3 HIGHER DEGREES COMMITTEE

3.3.1 Functions

The role of the Higher Degrees Committee is to—

(a) approve selection of candidates for admission to postgraduate and preliminary courses (excluding PhD);

(b) arrange the examination of higher degree theses (excluding PhD);

(c) report annually to Faculty, and to the Board of Postgraduate Studies of the University, on admission and progress of candidates for higher degrees up to and including professional doctorate level; and

(d) make recommendations to the Faculty on policy matters relating to the Faculty's higher degrees.

3.3.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) the Director of Postgraduate Studies as Chair;

(b) the Dean;

(c) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(d) the past previous Chair;

(e) the Dean of the Graduate Research School (ex officio);

(f) three members of academic staff elected by the Faculty.

3.3.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.4 HONOURS COMMITTEE

3.4.1 Functions

The role of the Honours Committee is to—

(a) supervise the honours programme within the Bachelor of Laws degree;

(b) make recommendations to the Faculty on students invited to undertake honours;

(c) determine the suitability of proposed dissertation topics;

(d) appoint supervisors and examiners;

(e) complete calculations for Honours and Bachelor of Laws with Distinction results; and

(f) generally administer Faculty policies and regulations for the honours programme.

3.4.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(i) a member of academic staff nominated by the Dean as Chair;

(ii) the Dean;

(iii) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate); and

(iv) five members of academic staff elected by the Faculty.

3.4.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.5 EDUCATION COMMITTEE

3.5.1 Functions

The role of the Education Committee is to monitor and make recommendations to the Faculty on policy matters relating to the undergraduate curriculum.

3.5.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) a member of staff elected by the Faculty as Chair;

(b) the Dean;

(c) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(d) five members of academic staff elected by the Faculty;

(e) Law Society representative;

(f) The President, Blackstone Society.

3.5.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.6 GOVERNING BOARD FOR THE DOCTOR OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

3.6.1 Functions

The Governing Board for the Doctor of Juridical Science gives initial consideration to all matters relating to the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree course (as set out in Faculty Regulation 33(2)) and recommends as appropriate to the Higher Degrees Committee.

3.6.2 Membership

The board comprises:

(a) the Dean;

(b) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(c) the Director of Postgraduate Studies, as Chair;

(d) a member of the Higher Degrees Committee appointed by the Faculty;

(e) the Chair of the Board of Postgraduate Research Studies of the University or nominee;

(f) a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia nominated by the Chief Justice; and

(g) one person nominated annually by the Law Society of Western Australia.

3.6.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.7 UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

3.7.1 Functions

The role of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is to—

(a) select applicants into the Faculty's undergraduate degrees for non-standard first year enrolments;

(b) report to the Faculty on the results of the selection process; and

(c) monitor the standards of applicants for quota entry into Categories B and C.

3.7.2 Membership

The Undergraduate Admissions Committee comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(c) the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (ex officio);

(d) the Vice-Chancellor's nominee (from the Admissions Office); and

(e) four members of academic staff nominated by the Dean.

3.8 POSTGRADUATE LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

3.8.1 Functions

The role of the Postgraduate Legal Education Committee is the promotion within the University and the legal profession of postgraduate and continuing legal education and research, other than that leading to the higher degrees of the University.

3.8.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Director of Postgraduate Studies;

(c) a member of academic staff elected by the Faculty;

(d) a Judge of the Supreme Court;

(e) two Law Society nominees.

3.8.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.9 LIBRARY COMMITTEE

3.9.1 Functions

The role of the Library Committee is to monitor the Law Library collection and advise the Faculty on the maintenance of Law Library standards.

3.9.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) a member of academic staff elected by the Faculty as Chair;

(b) five members of academic staff elected by the Faculty;

(c) the Blackstone Society Representative;

(d) the Law Librarian.

3.9.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.10 FACULTY APPEALS COMMITTEE—ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

In accordance with the University's regulations governing appeals against academic assessment available at http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/home/policies/appeals/, the Faculty will constitute a Faculty Appeals Committee as necessary with membership as set out in those regulations.

3.11 EQUITY COMMITTEE

3.11.1 Functions

The role of the Equity Committee is to monitor and make recommendations to Faculty on policy matters relating to equity issues within the Law School community.

3.11.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) a member of academic staff elected by the Faculty as Chair;

(b) the Dean;

(c) the Associate Dean;

(d) five members of academic staff elected by the Faculty;

(e) five student representatives elected by the Blackstone Society.

3.11.3 Meetings

Meetings are held as and when required.

3.12 RESEARCH COMMITTEE

3.12.1 Functions

The role of the Law School Research Committee is to inform members of academic staff about, and to assist them to apply for and win, external grants.

3.12.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) a member of academic staff nominated by the Dean as Chair;

(b) four members of academic staff elected by Faculty;

(c) the Dean (ex officio)

3.13 DEAN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

3.13.1 Functions

The role of the Dean's Advisory Committee is to advise the Dean on matters to be submitted to the Faculty. The Dean reserves the right to submit matters as necessary direct to the Faculty.

3.13.2 Membership

The committee comprises:

(a) the Dean as Chair;

(b) the Associate Dean (Undergraduate);

(c) the past previous Dean;

(d) the Director of Postgraduate Studies;

(e) the Chair, Academic Committee;

(f) the President, Blackstone Society;

(g) two members of academic staff elected by the Faculty.

3.13.3 Meetings

The Dean's Advisory Committee normally meets ten working days before the Faculty meeting.