Undergraduate USA-LAWS1023-2020

Foundations of Law

Learn how courts work. Study the differences between courts, tribunals and commissions. Discover the differences in state, territory and Commonwealth courts. Examine cases and questions of law.

Duration

10 weeks

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

The University of South Australia, UniSA, is ranked in the top 10 universities nationally and amongst the very best young universities in the world. They offer over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning. In fact, they are South Australia’s number one university for graduate careers. They are a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

QS RANKING 2020

Times Higher Education Ranking 2020

2020

Subject details

What you'll learn

By the end of this 10-week course, you’ll be able to:

Discuss the reception and development of the Australian common law system, and the impact of comparative and international law upon our law.
Explain the constitutional basis of the Federal/State judicial systems, and of the importance of the rule of law, particularly in respect of judicial independence and accountability; and the role of the lawyer within this system.
Interpret case law analysis and legal reasoning, with consideration of the legal, moral and ethical dimensions of judicial decision making.
Discuss case, statute and public international law research, and research into secondary sources of the law, in order to critically analyse the law for the purpose of legal problem solving.
Explain the requirements and practice of correct legal citation.

Topics covered

- What is law?
- Australian historical & constitutional foundations
- The Australian legal system
- Sources of law & legal research
- Case analysis
- The doctrine of precedent
- Precedent and legal reasoning
- Legal reasoning, argument and writing
- Interaction of domestic & international law
- Human rights law

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

Expand your knowledge of the Australian legal system.

Examine the role of the courts, the nature of the judiciary and the powers they exercise. Explore the differences between the role and powers of the courts and other decision-making bodies such as Tribunals and Commissions. You’ll also look at the operation of, and interrelationships between, the various state, territory and Commonwealth courts.

Develop your understanding of the origins and dynamic nature of the law and our legal system. Your new skills will be invaluable to your examination of cases and questions of law, and to your pursuits as a criminal justice professional.

UniSA Online’s 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to upskill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree.

Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

This is a first-year course from UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree.

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (40%)
Research Paper (60%)

Textbooks