This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of court innovation and innovative justice for the legal practitioner. Innovative Justice includes alternatives to traditional approaches to criminal justice, civil dispute resolution and legal service provision.Court innovation refers to the development of new legal institutions and approaches such as drug courts, mental health courts and Koori Courts. The Centre for Innovative Justice at RMIT University is dedicated to improving justice systems, locally, nationally and internationally by researching, translating, advocating and applying innovative or alternative practices with a particular focus on appropriate/non-adversarial dispute resolution, therapeutic jurisprudence, restorative justice and affordable justice.

The aim of the Study Tour is to introduce students to new approaches to the organisation of justice systems and the delivery of legal services, including innovative approaches that have been implemented in international jurisdictions. The course will assist students to develop an understanding of innovative justice, court innovation and affordable justice and to engage with legal and practical issues that may accompany the adoption of such practices in Australia.