Introduction to Law
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
2021 teaching periods
Hawthorn
| Higher Ed. Semester 1 | Higher Ed. Semester 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Swinburne Online
| Teaching Period 1 | Teaching Period 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to introduce students to the study of law. It examines the Australian legal system, the doctrine of precedent, the interpretation of legislation, legal research methods and writing skills. The aim of this unit is to enable students, through the study of cases, statutes and other materials, to acquire an understanding of, and competence in, the Australian legal system and the principles of statutory interpretation.
Unit Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Describe and evaluate the Australian legal system including the respective roles of parliament, the executive and the courts
2. Explain the doctrine of precedent and use it to evaluate the relative importance of judicial decisions
3. Explain the law making and development functions of the courts
4. Locate, interpret, evaluate and apply legislation to legal issues
5. Conduct legal research and use the results of that research to recommend solutions to legal problems
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Face to Face: Lectures ( 12 x 2 hrs), Tutorials (12 x 1 hrs) - 36 hours
Independent Learning (12 x 9.5 hrs - 114 hrs
Online: Swinburne Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
150 hours (12 x 12.5)
Student workload:
For all teaching and learning structures (both face to face and online), students are expected to spend an average of 150 hours per unit in total over the duration of the study period
This includes all:
• Scheduled teaching and learning events and activities (contact hours timetabled in a face-to-face teaching space) and scheduled online learning events (contact hours scheduled in an online teaching space), and
• Non-scheduled learning events and activities (including directed online learning activities, assessments, independent study, student group meetings, and research)
• Read all prescribed materials and/or view videos in preparation for each class
• Attend and engage in all scheduled classes (face to face or online)
• Start assessment tasks well ahead of the due date, and submit assessments promptly
• Read / listen to all feedback carefully, and consider it for future assessment
• Engage with fellow students and teaching staff (don’t hesitate to ask questions)
Assessment
Portfolio; Tests, Assignments, Presentations (Individual) 50-60
Final Examination (Individual) 40-50%
General skills outcomes
• Problem solving skills
• Analysis skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
• Overview of the Australian legal system
• The reception of English law
• The hierarchy of courts
• The doctrine of precedent
• The legislative process
• Statutory interpretation
• Legal writing and communication Legal research
• The reception of English law
• The hierarchy of courts
• The doctrine of precedent
• The legislative process
• Statutory interpretation
• Legal writing and communication Legal research
Study resources
- Recommended reading.
Recommended reading
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.