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Unit of study_

LAWS6326: Interpretation of Statutes and Other Texts

2024 unit information

Students will develop their understanding of the principles of statutory interpretation, and hone their ability to apply those principles in practice. The interpretation of contracts, constitutions and treaties will also be explored, observing where the core principles of statutory interpretation (text, context and purpose/intent) also apply to those texts, as well as learning rules particular to contracts, constitutions and treaties. Interpretation is a day-to-day task of the lawyer but many practising lawyers (and other professionals who work with the law) do not have a background in the discipline. This unit will teach the principles of interpretation, with a particular focus on practical application through the use of real-world examples, in-class exercises, and how to guides. Further information about this unit is available in the Sydney Law School timetable https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable, unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units and academic staff profile https://www.sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people/academic-staff.html

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney Law School

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

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

  • LO1. understand principles of statutory interpretation (text, context and purpose/intent) and the rules particular to contracts, constitutions and treaties
  • LO2. apply these core principles and rules to the interpretation of contracts, constitutions and treaties in a variety of current complex commercial and private contexts
  • LO3. clearly and accurately communicate analysis of the operation of those rules and principles in a variety of current complex commercial and private contexts

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.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2b 2024
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive October - November 2020
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive October - November 2022
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive October - November 2022
Block mode Remote

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

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