Foundations of Law
UndergraduateUSA-LAWS10232023
Course information for 2023 intake
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.
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
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Foundations of Law
About this subject
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.
- 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
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.
Should your course have an exam it will be scheduled for Australian Central Standard Time or Australian Central Daylight Time, depending on the time of the year.
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
- Research Paper (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry 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.
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