LAWS6047
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course provides an overview of the Australian legal system. It is designed specifically for students who have completed undergraduate legal education outside Australia. The course introduces the Australian constitutional framework and reviews the nature and operation of the principal institutions comprising the Australian legal system vis-à-vis the principle of rule of law. It also examines the interrelationship of Australian domestic and international law. Students develop skills in case analysis and statutory interpretation essential to solving legal problems in the Australian context. The course also supports students in developing legal research skills to locate and retrieve primary legal source material in the Australian context.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 1 - 2024
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the Australian constitutional framework, and the principle institutions comprising the Australian legal system;
2. Identify and use sources of law appropriately in the Australian context including application of the doctrine of precedent and skills in statutory interpretation;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of key areas of Australian law, and the relationship between domestic and international law in the Australian context;
4. Use legal research tools, including electronic databases, to locate and retrieve primary legal source material in the Australian context.
5. Communicate complex arguments effectively using specialised technical skills (both orally and in writing);
6. Demonstrate advanced capacities in applying legal knowledge to analyse and solve legal problems.
Content
The topics in this course include:
- Sources of law in the Australian legal system
- The operation of a common law legal system
- The Australian Judicial System and the Doctrine of Precedent
- Statutory Interpretation
- The Australian constitutional framework in context
- Select areas of Australian law
Requisite
This course is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Laws [12333] program.
Assumed knowledge
Nil
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Written Assessment
Written Assignment: Statutory Interpretation and Constitutional Framework
Presentation: Oral Moot Presentation
3 hr Formal Examination: Formal Exam
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 7
Computer Lab-2
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 2
Computer Lab-3
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 4
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 4
Computer Lab-2
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 2
Computer Lab-3
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 7
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- LAWS6047 - Semester 1, 2024 (Ncle) (PDF, 172.7 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.