LAWS1001B

Legal System & Method - Part B

Faculty of Business and Law Newcastle Law School

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2

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 B of a multi-term sequence. Part A must be successfully completed before undertaking Part B. 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

The objectives of this course are:
1. To assist students to gain knowledge of the Australian legal system.
2. To assist students to develop a range of skills in dealing with legal data, including research, problem-solving, writing and legal professional skills.
3. To promote critical thinking and reflection.
4. To introduce concepts of legal professional ethics.

Content

Legal System and Method is an introductory first year course which is designed to, and has the objective of establishing a basis and foundation for all other law courses.

This course has 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. A sound appreciation of the legal system is not possible without the acquisition of legal skills.

The parts of the course are:

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

B. Legal Method components
1. Legal Research
2. Oral Communication
3. Legal Writing
4. Written Communication

Replacing Course(s)

Transition

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

Nil

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Examination: Class	Short answer questions
Examination: Open Book	Hypothetical problem questions
Other: (please specify)	The assessment items listed for LAWS1001A and LAWS1001B are undertaken over the full academic year. The assessment will comprise of a number of exercises, assignments, examinations and in addition there will be an assessable mooting exercise.
Case Scenario/PBL exercises	The assessment will comprise of three exercises and an assessable mooting exercise
Quiz - On-line
Reports	Reflection exercise based on film

Contact Hours

Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Seminar: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables