LAW112 Introduction to the Australian Legal System (8)

This subject provides students with a foundation in the study of law. It includes a practical overview of the structure and origins of the Australian legal system and introduces the skills of legal reasoning and analysis. Students explore the concept of law, civil law and the common law. They also look at the development of judge-made and statute law (focusing on English and Australian legal history). The subject encompasses the relationship between courts and constitutional structures; the understanding and integration of principles of judicial reasoning and statutory interpretation; the place of Indigenous law in Australia; and the development and relevance of international law.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online *
Bathurst Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online *
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: LAW112. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Law and Justice

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the sources of law in society and the process of law making including the place of customary law in Australia;
  • be able to explain the adversarial system of justice including limitations such as access to justice;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of knowledge pertaining to international law, with a focus on human rights awareness;
  • be able to plan and apply effective strategies in legal research of case law and legislation based scenarios;
  • be able to identify and explain the facts pertaining to cases and ratio decided within the Australian judicial system;
  • be able to interpret statutes and common law and identify legal problems in scenarios and cases;
  • be able to present persuasive and informed arguments based on leading precedents; and
  • be able to demonstrate an historical understanding of Indigenous social justice and the contemporary context of reconciliation in Australia.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The rule of law
  • Introduction to the Australian legal system
  • Legal research: how do I find law?
  • Interpreting legislation
  • The Australian Constitution and the role of parliament in the Australian legal system
  • The doctrine of precedent
  • Where does Indigenous law fit in?
  • Legal practice, ethics and access to justice
  • International law and human rights

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of LAW112 in Session 3 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online quiz 1
20
2
Online quiz 2
10
3
Essay
30
4
Statutory interpretation task
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

The 3-day residential school for this subject is compulsory. It will cover the seminar topics relevant to the subject with particular emphasis on relevant case law, precedents and legislation.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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