LAWS6048
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course (which must be undertaken in the first semester of the LLM program) will develop students' capacity to undertake legal research at an advanced level. The course will critically examine the theoretical bases of legal research and the methodologies and methods through which legal research is conducted in both a professional and scholarly context. Students will explore frameworks of legal research, and the core methodologies in legal research (including doctrinal, policy and theoretical research). The course will also allow students to apply specialised knowledge and skill in framing a research project that may be pursued in the later subject LAWS6049 Advanced Legal Research II.
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 1 - 2018.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and integrated understanding of the theoretical bases of legal research.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and integrated understanding of the methodologies through which legal research is conducted in both a professional and scholarly context.
3. Demonstrate critical understanding and reflective evaluation of the theoretical bases of legal research, and the methodologies utilised in legal research.
4. Apply specialised knowledge, capacity and skill in designing and critically evaluating a proposal for an advanced legal research project.
5. Engage in high level written communication in explaining and justifying research design to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
6. Identify, access (including using electronic databases) and analyse primary and secondary legal material (and relevant interdisciplinary material) at an advanced level.
Content
The topics in this course include:
- Introduction to Advanced Legal Research
- Theoretical Approaches to Legal Research and Law
- Overview of Western Legal Theory
- Legal Research Methodologies
- Doctrinal Legal Research
- Theoretical Research
- Policy Research
- Legal Research Skills
- Identifying and accessing primary and secondary legal material (and relevant interdisciplinary material)
- Designing/Formulating a Research Topic
- Written Communication skills
Requisite
This course is only available to students enrolled in the [12333] Master of Laws or [50016] Juris Doctor programs .
Assumed knowledge
Nil
Assessment items
Proposal / Plan: Written Research Proposal In consultation with supervisor
Project: Research Assignment
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
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.