LAWS1001A

Legal System & Method - Part A

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

LLB courses are only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programs.

This course is Part A of a multi-term sequence. Part B must also be completed to meet the requirements of the sequence. The separate elements of the sequence must be completed in consecutive terms ie without an intervening term.


Legal system stream examines the nature of the Australian legal system, the constitutional framework and the development of sources of law, including the common law and legislation. The course introduces ethical considerations for the legal profession and develops analytical and interpretative skills. Students develop skills in legal research and in written and oral communication as relevant to the study and practice of law.

Objectives Legal System and Method Parts A and B are introductory courses which serve as the base for every other course in the LLB programme. They are designed to introduce students to the sources of the law, the various component of the legal system, the operation of the legal system and its institutions, and the methods and skills employed by lawyers. During the course of your law degree you will learn to:

* Think like a lawyer
* Read like a lawyer
* Reason like a lawyer
* Analyse like a lawyer
* Argue like a lawyer
* Write like a lawyer
* Research like a lawyer
* Solve problems like a lawyer
* Communicate like a lawyer

The assessment and classes in Legal System and Method will help you begin this learning process.

At the end of this course you will have been required to demonstrate the development of these core legal skills. In particular, you will be required to demonstrate:

1. The capacity to use legal language and terminology, including citations accurately.
2. The capacity to read and analyse case law effectively.
3. The capacity to identify legal principles and apply these to diverse scenarios.
4. The capacity to structure and present a coherent and persuasive argument with
confidence using legal data (orally and in writing).
5. The capacity to write coherently using legal data for different audiences (academic
and non academic).
6. The capacity to read and analyse statutes and regulations effectively.
7. A capacity to reflect critically on one’s own learning and the role of legal institutions
and actors the legal system.
8. The capacity to identify ethical issues which arise in practice.
9. The capacity to understand and observe court etiquette
10. The capacity to understand and employ a range of self-management and well-being techniques.
Content Legal System and Method Parts A and B are introductory first year courses which are designed to, and have the objective of establishing a basis and foundation for all other law subjects.

The courses have a number of substantive law components which should not be viewed in isolation. Instruction in the methods and skills employed by lawyers are integrated with the substantive law components to provide an introduction to the Australian legal system.

The seven parts of the subject are:

A. Legal System components

1. Overview of the Australian Legal System
2. Common law
3. Statutory Interpretation
4. The Australian Constitutional Framework
5. Legal Institutions and their Regulation

B. Legal Method components

1. Written communication
2. Oral communication
3. Self-management and ethics
Replacing Course(s) na
Transition na
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Case Studies Legal System - Statutes Exercise
Case Studies Legal System Case Reading
Clinical Communication - Reflection
Examination: Open Book Legal System
Examination: Open Book Legal System - Problem solving
Essays / Written Assignments Legal Method - Reflection
Essays / Written Assignments Legal Communication - Client file and Refelction
Quiz - Class Communication - Referencing and Writing Exam
Quiz - Class Online and in-class tasks
Contact Hours Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Seminar: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and associated combined degree programs.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for LAWS1001A