Enrolments for 2019 have closed.
Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods
Postgraduate | RMI-OJD110 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
View information for 2020 course intakeBuild 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
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 14 weeks
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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.
- What is Law
- Case Law and the Doctrine of Precedent
- Legal Research and Legal Writing
- The Australian Legal System
- Statutory Interpretation
- Human Rights/Indigenous Australians and the Law
- The Role of the Lawyer
- The Australian Court System and Judicial Decision Making
- Law Exam Techniques and Revision
This subject introduces you to the Australian legal system, and a number of foundational legal skills. At the conclusion of this subject, you will have a solid understanding of the Australian legal system. You will be able to understand the historical, doctrinal and philosophical perspectives that have influenced the development of law and critically compare and assess key theoretical positions and interdisciplinary movements that provide critique and commentary on the role and practice of law. Topics which will be covered include:
- The Constitutional Framework
- Sources of Law – Legislation and Case-law
- Statutory Interpretation
- Legal Institutions and Processes
- Legal Theory
- Legal Research, Legal Analysis
- Law in Practice
This subject is taught in Melbourne over 3 non-consecutive weekends. OUA students are encouraged to attend the 3 intensive weekends if possible, however it is not compulsory. If you are studying fully online, please be aware that the first assessment will be set in the first week of the semester.
The dates for Session 2 2019 are:
- Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 July
- Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 August
- Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 September
Times: Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Legal Research & Writing Task (20%)
- Statutory Interpretation Task (30%)
- Take Home Exam (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
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.