LAWS 7056 Fundamentals of Australian Law

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 201046

Coordinator Sandy Noakes Opens in new window

Description This subject provides students with the fundamental legal skills required to succeed in the study and practice of law. Students will be introduced to the Australian legal system, legal study skills and the importance of academic integrity for law students, how law is made, how cases and statute interact, the Australian court hierarchies, , case analysis skills, statutory interpretation skills, an introduction to legal ethics and justice, and an introduction to the impact of the Australian legal system on Australian First Peoples.

School Law

Discipline Law, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Co-requisite(s) LAWS 7058 Introduction to Law

Incompatible Subjects LAWS 1003 Fundamentals of Australian Law

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Discuss the basis of the Australian law and legal system, including common law institutions and their roles, and the concepts of justice and ethics.
  2. Apply basic logical and legal reasoning to legal scenarios.
  3. Apply the doctrine of precedent and the rules of statutory interpretation to basic legal problems.
  4. Formulate legal arguments in a written document that demonstrates an understanding of the varied functions and techniques of writing in legal practice.

Subject Content

  1. Legal study skills
  2. Academic Integrity
  3. How law is made
  4. How cases and statute interact
  5. Court hierarchies
  6. Case analysis skills
  7. Statutory interpretation skills
  8. Introduction to legal ethics and justice
  9. Introduction to the impact of the Australian legal system on Australian First People

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 4 quizzes across semester 30 N Individual
Professional Task 2 hours 30 N Individual
Professional Task 45 minutes S/US N Individual
Final Exam 24 hours 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Michelle Sanson and Thalia Anthony, Connecting with Law (Oxford University Press, 4th ed, 2019)
  • Michelle Sanson, Statutory Interpretation (Oxford University Press, 2nd ed, 2016).
  • Trischa Mann (ed), Australian Law Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 3rd ed, 2017)

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Sandy Noakes Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Sandy Noakes Opens in new window

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Structures that include subject