Foundations of Law

LAWS5000

This unit of study provides a foundation core for the study of law. We aim to provide a practical overview of the Australian legal system, an introduction to the skills of legal reasoning and analysis which are necessary to complete your law degree, and an opportunity for critical engagement in debate about the role of law in our lives. The course will introduce students to issues such as: (i) legal institutions and the separation of powers; (ii) the development of judge made and statute law, with a particular focus on English and Australian legal history; (iii) other sources of law, including customary law, constitutional law, and international law (iv) the relationship between courts and parliament; (v) the role and function of courts, tribunals and other forms of dispute resolution; (vi) understanding and interrogating principles of judicial reasoning and statutory interpretation; (vii) how to read cases and interpret statutes; (viii) the relationship between law, government, and politics; (ix) the rule of law; (x) human rights in Australian law. The course focus may be subject to change.

Unit of study details

Unit of study level: Postgraduate

Credit points: 6

Commencing semesters: 103

Further unit of study information

Unit of study handbook: LAWS5000

Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships

Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates

Available for study abroad and exchange: No

Our courses that offer this unit of study