LAWS6017Family Law

Course handbook

Description

This course will introduce students to the law regulating marriage and de facto relationships pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).  The course takes a law in context approach, examining key aspects of family law in Australia in their social and political context. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of existing law and the effect of law reform. It supports the development of practical knowledge relevant to pin the conduct of family law matters. Topics covered include the constitutional and legal framework of the family law system in Australia, forms of family dispute resolution; violence within families and responses to violence; parental responsibility and decisions in relation to children following separation; property division on separation and the role of family lawyers.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of family law, including relevant legal principles and concepts.

2. Identify legal and non-legal issues in family law problem scenarios and apply legal reasoning and research skills to solve problems.

3. Demonstrate an awareness of the breadth and distinctiveness of the family lawyers' professional and ethical role in discharging responsibilities to clients, other professionals, the courts and the public

4. Critically evaluate the impact of family law reform in the contemporary context.

5. Understanding of the importance of communication skills in the practice of family law and the ability to demonstrate persuasive written communication skills.

Content

Topics in this course include:

1. The constitutional framework of family law and jurisdiction of courts dealing with family law
2. Marriage, de facto relationships, nullity and divorce
3. Forms of family dispute resolution
4. Family violence
5. Parental responsibility; decision making about children; children's rights and best interests
6. Property: the meaning of property and financial resources and alteration of property interests under the FLA
7. Professional practice, roles and ethics of family lawyers
8. Law reform in family law and the relevance of interdisciplinary knowledge and research.

Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the programs:

[12334] Juris Doctor/Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (JD)

[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)

[50016] Juris Doctor

Assumed knowledge

LAWS6000 Legal System and Method I, and LAWS6001 Legal System and Method IILAWS6002A Torts Part A, or LAWS6120 Torts ILAWS6002B Torts Part B, or LAWS6121 Torts IILAWS6003A & LAWS6003B Criminal Law & Procedure Part A & B, or LAWS6130 Criminal Law & ProcedureLAWS6004A Contracts Part A, or LAWS6140 Contracts ILAWS6004B Contracts Part B, or LAWS6141 Contracts IILAWS6005 Property

Assessment items

In Term Test: End of Semester Take Home Examination

Written Assignment: Letter of advice

Quiz: 2 x Multiple Choice Quizzes

Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.