Available in 2024
Course code

LAWS6000

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

Legal System and Method I is the first foundational course in the Juris Doctor/Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. It introduces students to the core intellectual and analytical skills in the discipline of law. In addition, the course begins the process of professional education through the study of professional written communication skills. It also orients students to the core subjects they study in the first year of their degree and to the University Legal Centre, where, in later years they will undertake studies relevant to the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. The course also introduces students to philosophical debates over what law is and its potential to undermine or enhance efforts to establish societies marked by social inclusion, social justice and respect for human rights.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Newcastle City Precinct

  • Trimester 1 - 2024
  • Winter - 2024

Learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the sources of law and elements of the Australian legal system.

2. Demonstrate critical skills in case reading and analysis and statutory interpretation.

3. Demonstrate the capacity to locate primary and secondary sources of law accurately and efficiently.

4. Demonstrate a developing capacity for critical self-reflection, goal-setting and techniques in professional self-management .

5. Demonstrate advanced skills in core academic literacies (ie academic writing, research skills, and oral communication).

6. Demonstrate a critical understanding of legal ethics and regulation of the legal profession

7. Orally present and defend arguments in interactive dialogue with the teacher and peers in a style consistent with professional client consultations, mediation, negotiation and court appearances.


Content

 

  1. Sources of law and elements of the Australian legal system.
  2. Case reading and analysis.
  3. Legal problem solving.
  4. Professional legal writing.
  5. Core academic literacies (ie academic writing, research skills, and oral communication)
  6. Legal Research
  7. Legal Ethics and Regualtion of the Legal Profession.

Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Juris Doctor/Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice [12334] or Bachelor of Teaching (Humanities) (Honours) [12368] or Bachelor Education (Secondary) [40107] or Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) [40108] or Juris Doctor [50016] programs.


Assessment items

Quiz: Formative and online quizzes in legal referencing and legal research.
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.

Written Assignment: Two reflective writing tasks.

Presentation: Oral presentation
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.

Essay: Final take home examination
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.

Participation: Attendance at all Seminars and Workshops
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.


Contact hours

Trimester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • This course will be offered in intensive mode and will require students to do additional blended learning activities and independent study.

Winter - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • This course will be offered in intensive mode and will require students to do additional blended learning activities and independent study.

Course outline