Accountability and the State
Explore the underlying theory behind reasoned decision-making in the public sphere, the law that frames it, and the practice and expertise needed to enact front-line decision-making.
Course overview
Good decisions don’t just reach the right outcome — they need to be justified, defensible, and fair. Accountability and the State equips public and private sector professionals with the frameworks to understand why reasoned decision-making matters, what the law requires, and how to put it into practice.
Drawing on political theory, administrative law, and real-world application, this course bridges academic rigour and professional relevance. Whether you work in policy, regulation, compliance, or frontline service delivery, you will gain tools to strengthen the quality and defensibility of official decisions.
Taught in an accessible block format designed for working professionals, the course will be appropriate for lawyers working in and around government or experienced public sector professionals without a law degree — your workplace experience is an asset, not a barrier. Credits earned count towards a postgraduate qualification at Victoria University of Wellington.
- Ground your decisions in theory – Understand key elements of justificatory approaches to law and political theory.
- Navigate the legal landscape – Understand key legal doctrines applicable to public reason-giving.
- Articulate decisions and advice across the sector – Apply relevant theory and law to the critique and writing of public reasons and official advice.
- Engage with confidence – Discuss relevant theory and law orally with colleagues, consistently with norms of legal scholarship and professional practice.
What you'll learn
- Ground your decisions in theory – Understand key elements of justificatory approaches to law and political theory.
- Navigate the legal landscape – Understand key legal doctrines applicable to public reason-giving.
- Articulate decisions and advice across the sector – Apply relevant theory and law to the critique and writing of public reasons and official advice.
- Engage with confidence – Discuss relevant theory and law orally with colleagues, consistently with norms of legal scholarship and professional practice.
Further Information
Format
Block taught over 6 weeks from the 14th of July until the 18th of August. The course is Face to Face, with weekly evening seminars (approximately 3 hours each.) There is also a longer Saturday session to conclude.
Assessment
This is a credit bearing course and does include assessment items. Assessment is designed to be at the right level for your learning, and aligned to your work practice. Assessment items for this course are:
- Weekly assignments – 60%
- Collegial engagement (in-class participation; engagement with colleagues’ work) – 10%
- Final practical assessment – 30%
What you'll receive
By passing this course, you will receive 20 points that can be transferred into other Post-graduate programmes within the Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Law.
You will also receive a digital badge that will allow you to share your learning with your professional networks, and enhave your CV.
This course is also equitable to 200 hours/points of CPD.
Student Services Levy
The fee for this course includes the Student Services Levy (SSL.)
The levy is a contribution towards student support services delivered by and through the University to help ensure the best academic outcomes for every student.
To find out how much your levy costs and see a full list of the valuable services available, see the Student Services Levy page.
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
14 Jul 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 6 x 3hr Sessions over 6 weeks
$NZD 1,900
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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