LAWS 4016 Legal Research and Methodology
Credit Points 10
Coordinator Rehan Abeyratne Opens in new window
Description This subject provides an opportunity for law students to further develop and refine their legal research and writing skills and to explore and analyse a supervised and structured legal research project. It includes advanced training in legal and inter-disciplinary research methodologies, exploration of theoretical frameworks leading to the development of a research proposal or project. This subject is a requirement for students who are intending to undertake the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program. However, this subject is open to all law students seeking to further refine their legal research and writing skills who do not wish to join the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program.
School Law
Discipline Law, Not Elsewhere Classified.
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your fees via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 4 subject
Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 1009 Legal Analysis and Critique
Restrictions
Students must have successfully completed 160 credit points of Law subjects.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Develop and articulate a research proposal for a thesis or for a legal research project.
- Select and apply appropriate research methods
- Utilise legal research resources and skills
- Analyse and evaluate legal sources, arguments and literature
Subject Content
- Formulating a research topic
- Designing a plan for writing and research
- Research Ethics and Project Management
- Putting together a literature review
- Standard Doctrinal Research Methodologies
- Social Science Methodologies for Lawyers
- Effective Legal Research
- Writing a Research Proposal
- Legal Theories
- Writing and structuring a thesis
- How to get published
- Handling Revisions and rejections
Special Requirements
Legislative pre-requisites
Dependent on research topic and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Essential equipment
Dependent on research topic and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
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 | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | ongoing in seminars | 10 | N | Individual | N |
| Literature Review | 2,000 words | 45 | N | Individual | N |
| Proposal | 2,000 words | 45 | N | Individual | N |
Teaching Periods
Autumn (2024)
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact June Wang Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Autumn (2025)
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact June Wang Opens in new window