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Unit of study_

LAWS3427: Death and Inheritance Law

2022 unit information

In terms of content, the unit covers the law that governs the transmission of property rights on the death the holder of those property rights to other persons. The unit begins with an overview of succession law in Australia; looking at testamentary freedom in its historical context; the development of powers of testation, and the reception of English law in NSW. The unit then considers the modern family relationships for succession; the boundaries of the law of succession (dealing with such matters as nominations, donationes mortis causa and contracts involving wills); the legal fact of death; intestate succession, the law of wills, family provision legislation and if time permits some aspects of the administration of deceased estates. Students who wish to practise in the area of succession law are encouraged to consider studying this unit, because the matters covered in this unit are indispensable for a career in succession, property and inheritance. From a pedagogical perspective, the assessment is structured to improve the problem-solving skills of students. The classroom-style is structured to encourage students to participate in discussion and to learn collaboratively.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney Law School

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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LAWS5127
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a depth of disciplinary experience including knowledge of the content and basic legal principles of key areas of law relating to the writing of wills and the devolution of property with respect to testate and intestate estates.
  • LO2. develop critical thinking and problem solving such as an ability to analyse and evaluate principles and policy in respect to the creation, interpretation and enforcement of wills and the administration of deceased estates; and an ability to apply the law and policy considerations to hypothetical but typical problems arising in practice, appreciating legal complexity.
  • LO3. communicate effectively and intelligently with peers in respect of legal issues that arise in the context of succession law.
  • LO4. use digital resources efficiently to independently retrieve case law and legislation.
  • LO5. work productively, collaboratively and openly across cultural boundaries with fellow students and, moving beyond the classroom environment, fellow legal practitioners.
  • LO6. develop an integrated professional, ethical and personal identity to manage the challenge of study and appreciate that there will be uncertainties arising in the application of law (in the context of succession law in particular and the law more generally).

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

There are no availabilities for this year.
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.