1. General
This course will be taught in the first and second semesters of the academic year
respectively. Students who have not opted for Poverty Law I will not be
permitted to take Poverty Law II in the second semester.

2. Course Objectives
The course is designed to provide an understanding of varied experiences and
perspectives in the inter-relationship between law and social deprivation and a
proper understanding of legal, ethical and social dilemmas in the context of
poverty. It is designed to promote fundamental inquiries into the nature,
function and suitability of laws in the context of poverty within the developing
societies of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

3. Course Content
Poverty Law I (Semester One)
i. Principles and Objectives - equality before the law, educating an
understanding of rights
ii. Access to Justice - legal aid
iii. Perspectives on Poverty - lawyer and client, policeman and citizen, the
problem of literacy in the courts, mental health
iv. Criminal Justice in Barbados - criminal risk factors and penal reform
(including Glendairy Prison visit)
v. Homelessness, minor offences, drug offences, Rastafarians as targets
vi. Women in Crisis
vii. Social Security and taxation
LA38F Poverty Law II (Semester Two)
i. Divorce, Maintenance, ‘Child Money’, Paternity, Child Care
ii. Consumer Credit and Debt Recovery
iii. Consumer Protection
iv. Landlord and Tenant
v. Chattel Housing
vi. Redundancy and Wrongful Dismissal
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vii. Migrants
viii. Education law
ix. A.D.R.

4. Method of Teaching
These courses will be taught through lectures and seminars. Students will also
assist in ‘live’ situations by giving researched advice and other support as
appropriate under qualified supervision.

5. Method of Assessment
For Poverty Law I, the course will be assessed by way of a written examination
which will carry 60% of the total marks awarded. The remaining 40% will be
awarded, by the student’s academic mentor on the basis of continuous
assessment of input (both oral and written).
For Poverty Law II, students will be assessed by way of a written examination
which will carry 40%, a further 40% will be awarded by the student’s academic
mentor on the basis of continuous assessment of input (both oral and written)
and the remaining 20% will be awarded to a research paper.