LAWS1010Legal System and Method I

Course handbook

Description

Legal System and Method I introduces the Australian legal system. It analyses the nature and function of law, the rule of law and includes the development of common law principles in case law. The course introduces ethical considerations for  legal profession training and develops analytical and interpretative skills. Students develop skills in legal research, written and oral communication, all skills valued in the study and practice of law. Students are introduced to alternative models of resolving disputes and their professional role in contemporary legal practice. Students will be introduced to the School of Law and Justice Legal Clinic model and develop best practice in engagement with social justice for real clients.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Use legal language and terminology, including citations accurately;

2. Read and analyse case law effectively;

3. Identify legal principles and apply these to diverse scenarios;

4. Structure and present a coherent and persuasive argument with confidence using legal data (orally and in writing);

5. Write coherently using legal data for different audiences (academic and non-academic);

6. Reflect critically on one's own learning and the role of legal institutions and 'actors' in the legal system;

7. Identify ethical issues which arise in practice;

8. Recognise and employ a range of self-management and well-being techniques;

9. Orally present and defend arguments in interactive dialogue with the teacher and peers in a style consistent with professional client consultations, mediation, and negotiation. (ADR).

Content

Legal System and Method I is designed to, and has the objective of, establishing a basis and foundation for all other law courses. The 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. The topics in this course include:

A. Legal System components - Seminars

1. Overview of the Australian Legal System
2. Common law
3. Legal Institutions and their Regulation

B. Legal Method components - Workshops

1. Written communication
2. Oral communication
3. Self-management and ethics
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in one of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and associated combined degree programs of

[12340] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12341] Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12342] Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12343] Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws(Honours)

[12346] Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12347] Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice

[12348] Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40036] Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40037] Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40129] Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40130] Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40150] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40188] Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40189] Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40272] Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40279] Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40280] Bachelor of Biomedicine/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40290] Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

[50005] Bachelor of Media and Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Assessment items

Written Assignment: Communication - Reflective Practice on Positive Professional Identity and becoming a Law Student

Written Assignment: Professional Legal Communication - Client File

In Term Test: Quiz

Participation: Attendance at seminars and workshops
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.

Formal Examination: Take Home Exam

Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Course outline

• LAWS1010 - Semester 1, 2024 (Ncle) (PDF, 294.3 KB)