LAWS 1003 Fundamentals of Australian Law

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200977

Coordinator Engi Messih 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, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Apply basic logical and legal reasoning to legal scenarios.
  3. Discuss the principles of academic integrity as they apply to University and professional practice;
  4. Apply the doctrine of precedent and the rules of statutory interpretation to basic legal problems.
  5. Communicate effectively in writing for lay and expert readers.

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 the role of legal professionals in Australia
  9. 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, 5th ed, 2022).

Teaching Periods

Spring (2023)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Engi Messih Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Nicole Borg Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Autumn (2024)

Campbelltown

On-site

Subject Contact Sandy Noakes Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Online

Online

Subject Contact Engi Messih Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Sandy Noakes Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2024)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Engi Messih Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Nicole Borg Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject