Course overview
This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of how laws are made and administered in Australia, while also exploring emerging trends and challenges in the legal landscape. Students will be introduced to the history of Australia’s legal institutions and the central tenets of the Australian legal system with an emphasis on how these systems are evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. The two main sources of law are legislation, made by Parliament, and legal cases, decided by judges in courts. Through learning to read and analyse cases, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn the importance of legal reasoning in decision-making. Through learning to read and interpret statutes, students will gain insights into the dynamic nature of law interpretation and application in the face of new technologies, social movements, and global challenges. Established rules and processes, such as the doctrine of precedent, the hierarchy of courts and principles of statutory interpretation play a valuable role in promoting certainty and transparency in decision-making and are essential for the administration of justice. In addition to providing a strong foundation in legal principles, this course aims to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the legal profession of the future. Students will learn the importance of academic integrity, develop proficiency in legal referencing, and cultivate a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptability in the face of a constantly evolving legal landscape.
- The Australian Legal System (Overview)
- Case Law
- Statutory Interpretation
Course learning outcomes
- Locate cases, legislation and other authoritative legal resources using online databases
- Cite sources of law and legal literature correctly using accepted legal referencing conventions
- Synthesise information from legal cases to explain aspects of legal decision-making
- Use principles of statutory interpretation to solve hypothetical legal problems
- Present ideas effectively through written communication
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 29430
Section FR01
Size 500
Available 500
Class number 25879
Section TU01
Size 20
Available 20
Notes:
Class number 25880
Section TU02
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25881
Section TU03
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25882
Section TU04
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25883
Section TU05
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25994
Section TU06
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25993
Section TU07
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25992
Section TU08
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25991
Section TU09
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25990
Section TU10
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25989
Section TU11
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25988
Section TU12
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25987
Section TU13
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25986
Section TU14
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 25985
Section TU15
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 56802
Section FR01
Size 95
Available 94
Class number 55864
Section TU01
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 55865
Section TU02
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 55866
Section TU03
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
Class number 55867
Section TU04
Size 30
Available 29
Notes:
Class number 55868
Section TU05
Size 30
Available 30
Notes:
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.