Class Recording Policy

Overview

The Melbourne JD is characterised by interactive, seminar-style teaching, rather than (with some exceptions) the traditional lecture/tutorial model. Fundamental to the Melbourne JD experience is the opportunity for students to benefit from the discussion-based learning environment that defines our program, fostering richer engagement with peers and instructors. As such seminars are not universally recorded.

However MLS recognises that students will sometimes miss class for unavoidable reasons and that some students require adjustments to enhance their participation in the JD. For this reason class recordings are made available on a limited basis as outlined below.

Available recordings

Compulsory subjects

One stream of most compulsory subjects will be recorded. Students should be aware that they may not receive a recording from their timetabled stream (this includes students with an Academic Adjustment Plan). There are some compulsory subjects where it is not appropriate to record because of the highly small group discussion-based nature of the class.

The following compulsory subjects will not be recorded:

Please also note that at times recordings may be paused to facilitate small group discussion or guest speaker contributions. Please also note that recordings do not always capture class discussion including questions or contributions from students in the class.

Elective subjects

Class recordings for elective subjects will be available where the subject is taught in a similar manner to core JD subjects, (i.e. no tutorial recordings, for electives with tutorials) noting that this may exclude particular classes where there may be a guest speaker or where there are other reasons for not recording, such as small group discussion or discussions that draw heavily on personal or professional experiences that will not be recorded for privacy reasons. This shall be at the discretion of MLS. Classes for subjects that involve guest speakers on a regular basis, or that involve practical, clinic or internship requirements (where students may discuss cases they are working on) will not be recorded. Students that may require recordings in order to complete an elective subject should contact the Law Wellbeing team (law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au) to ascertain whether or not recordings will be available for most classes in the subject.

The following elective subjects will not be recorded (there may be additional subjects added to this list):

The following subjects will have only limited recording available. Substantial portions of the classes will take the form of group activity or discussion involving personal reflection or experience, and these activities and discussions will not be recorded:

Intensive subjects

Intensive subjects taught over a one or two-week period are not routinely recorded. Students considering enrolment in an intensive subject who may experience difficulties in attending class should discuss their enrolment in the subject with the Academic Programs Coordinator (Wellbeing) prior to enrolling to determine the best course of action in the circumstances.

Limitations of class recordings

Class recordings are not a substitute for attending class. Class recordings provide students with the opportunity to catch up on the occasional missed class. Please note that teachers are not required to replicate other classroom learning aids (such as use of a whiteboard) separate to the class recording. MLS will remind teachers to use a microphone in the classroom when their class is recorded. However, it is not feasible for MLS to guarantee that all class discussion is captured on a class recording.

Class recordings are for the use of students enrolled in the subject and not for further use or distribution without the written consent of the Associate Dean (JD), law-adjd@unimelb.edu.au.

Attendance requirements

Please note that a 75% attendance hurdle applies to all first-year and second-year compulsory subjects (with the exception of Legal Method and Reasoning). Attendance hurdles will be introduced for third-year compulsory subjects from 2027. Some elective subjects already apply an attendance hurdle. This reflects the interactive, seminar-style teaching approach that is fundamental to the Melbourne JD experience and ensures all students can fully benefit from the discussion-based learning environment that defines our program, fostering richer engagement with peers and instructors. Further information about this requirement can be found in the JD community.

Effective date: 27 May 2026