Subject details

On successful completion of this subject you will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the procedural rules of civil litigation
  2. critically evaluate the civil procedure system and identify areas of reform such as case management, access to justice and legal ethics concerns
  3. analyse and research complex problems relating to civil procedure and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives
  4. demonstrate sophisticated cognitive and creative skills in approaching legal issues relating to civil procedure and generate appropriate responses
  5. show effective, appropriate and persuasive collaboration and communication skills for legal and non-legal audiences through engagement with drafting and advocacy simulations.
  • Topics
    • The Civil Justice System: "Justice" or "Dispute Resolution"
    • Preliminary Steps to Resolve Disputes in Court
    • Commencing Proceedings
    • Defining the Issues in Dispute (Pleadings)
    • Costs and Offers to Settle
    • Protecting Positions until Trial (Interlocutory Procedures)
    • Case-Management and the Role of Judge in Managing Disputes
    • Gathering Evidence
    • Judgment, Appeals and Enforcement of Judgments
  • Study resources
    • Online Materials
      • Audio-Video streaming

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject studies the rules of civil procedure that include commencement of proceedings and service of process, joinder of claims, pleadings, group and representative actions, discovery and other interlocutory proceedings, judgment, enforcement, appeals, and costs. Emphasis will also be given to the issue of reform of the civil justice system including case management systems, access to justice and lawyers’ ethics. The subject engages with the practical legal skills of drafting and mooting.

  • Assignment 1 - Moot (30%)
  • Assignment 2 - Discussion Board Postings (20%)
  • Assignment 3 - Open Book Invigilated Exam (50%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related degrees

Postgraduate

Juris Doctor