LAWS 1003 Fundamentals of Australian Law

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200977

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, academic integrity, how law is made, how cases and statute interact, the Australian court hierarchies, case analysis skills, statutory interpretation skills, an introduction to the role of legal professionals in Australia.

School Law

Discipline Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LAWS 1006 - Introduction to Law LAWS 1007 - Introduction to Law (WSTC)

Incompatible Subjects LAWS 1001 - Enterprise Law LAWS 1002 - Enterprise Law (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

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

Demonstrate knowledge of the basis of the Australian law and legal system, including common law institutions and their roles, and the role of legal professionals.
Apply basic logical and legal reasoning to legal scenarios.
Discuss the principles of academic integrity as they apply to University and professional practice;
Apply the doctrine of precedent and the rules of statutory interpretation to basic legal problems.
Communicate effectively in writing for lay and expert readers.

Subject Content

Legal study skills
Academic Integrity
How law is made
How cases and statute interact
Court hierarchies
Case analysis skills
Statutory interpretation skills
Introduction to the role of legal professionals in Australia
Indigenous Law as a source of law in Australia

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.

Type	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Professional Task	Part 1- Communications Diagnostic-45 minutes Part 2- Communications for Legal Professionals Workshop	Complete /Incomplete	Y	Individual
Quiz	4 quizzes across semester	30	N	Individual
Professional Task	2 hours	30	N	Individual
Final Exam	24 hours	40	N	Individual

Prescribed Texts

Michelle Sanson and Thalia Anthony, Connecting with Law (Oxford University Press, 3rd ed, 2016).
Trischa Mann, Australian Law Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 2nd ed, 2015).
Melbourne University Law Review Association, Australian Guide to Legal Citation (Melbourne University Law Review Association Inc, 3rd ed, 2010).

Teaching Periods