LAWS4003
10 units
4000 level
Course handbook
Description
This core course examines the framework of principles, procedures, processes and rules that shape how civil disputes are managed and resolved in New South Wales. This course also encourages student reflection upon the practice and policy dimensions of civil litigation and dispute resolution and addresses the prescribed areas of knowledge for legal practice.
Availability2021 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 1 - 2021
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Apply a specialised and advanced knowledge and understanding of the roles of the civil justice system(s), dispute resolution processes (from the commencement of proceedings through to enforcement), and the operation of civil procedure rules to solve complex practical problems.
2. Practice and reflect upon the skills involved in ethically negotiating to resolve disputes.
3. Analyse and evaluate the policies and principles that underline the Australian civil justice system and propose meaningful law reform.
4. Select and apply appropriate approaches to communicate clearly and persuasively with legal and non-legal audiences, without compromising the substance of the law.
Content
The course is designed to include all of the prescribed areas of knowledge for civil dispute resolution required for admission into legal practice in Australia. Very broadly, this includes:
- The civil justice system(s) in Australia and the importance of access to justice;
- The adversarial litigation process and non-adversarial alternatives;
- The initiation of proceedings in time and the service and execution of processes;
- Procedural mechanisms to obtain and protect evidence and vary proceedings as required; and
- Bringing proceedings to an end and addressing the issue of costs.
The course is also designed to facilitate opportunities to practise and reflect upon the skills embedded in the Graduate Skills Portfolio for this course, namely:
- Negotiation
- Writing to a lay audience; and
- Policy and law reform.
Requisite
This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and associated combined degree programs or Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and associated combined degree programs.
Assumed knowledge
LAWS1010, LAWS1011, LAWS1020, LAWS1021, LAWS2030, LAWS3040, and LAWS3041.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Weekly Activities
Written Assignment: Essay
Written Assignment: End of Semester Exam
Contact hours
Newcastle City Precinct
Online Activity
Online 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Seminar
Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
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.