Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods
PostgraduateRMI-OJD1102023
Course information for 2023 intake
Build your understanding of the Australian legal system. Study the constitutional framework, legislation and case-law (sources of law), statutory interpretation, institutions and processes, legal theory, research and analysis, and the law in practice
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods
About this subject
On successful completion of this degree you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the sources of Australian law; how laws are made, developed and applied (both common law and statute); and the ways in which institutions administer those laws
- Critically evaluate aspects of the Australian legal system and identify areas of law reform
- Analyse and research problems relating to the doctrine of precedent and rules of statutory interpretation and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives
- Demonstrate cognitive and creative skills in approaching foundational legal issues and legal rules, and generate appropriate responses
- Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions and identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues using legislation, case law and secondary source materials
- Demonstrate self-management skills in a professional context.
- Please refer to RMIT University’s Learning Management System - Canvas, for further details.
This subject introduces you to the Australian legal system and a number of foundational legal skills. You will acquire knowledge and skills in the historical, doctrinal and philosophical perspectives that have influenced the development of law. You will critically compare and assess key theoretical positions that provide critique and commentary on the role and practice of law and the justice system. This course will primarily explore the Constitutional framework, legislation and case law, legal institutions and processes, legal theory, legal research, legal analysis and law in practice.
This subject runs over three weekends. It will be taught to Melbourne on-campus students on the Saturday of each weekend, and an equivalent online class will run for OUA students on the Sunday of each weekend. OUA students are welcome to attend the on-campus class with Melbourne students if they wish.
The assessment alignment list below shows the assessment tasks against the learning outcomes they develop.
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or in online forums through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation- Assessment Task 1 - Linked CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 (20%)
- Assessment Task 2 - Linked CLOs 1, 3, 5, 6 (30%)
- Invigilated Exam - Linked CLOs 2, 4, 5, 6 (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- RMI-LAW-MAS-2023 - Juris Doctor
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateRMI-LAW-MAS